Can Social Media Impact the Outcome of your Injury Claim?

In the present day, it is no secret that anything you post online goes onto your digital permanent record. Deleted posts, while not visible to your friends or family, never fully disappear. Therefore, it is extremely imperative that those who enjoy sharing photos, status updates, and location information with their social media audiences be mindful of what they choose to post.

You would not want your boss to see your long-winded status update complaining about the new office policy, would you? Our guess is no. However, job security is no longer the only thing that can be threatened by social media – personal injury claims are too. Allow us to explain:

Inconsistent Images

Social media is not typically the most authentic place. Your feeds have given you the opportunity to present the most envy-inducing version of yourself to anyone who views them, and most people take advantage of that power.

Including defence lawyers.

If your life were dramatically altered after a car accident-related brain injury, chances are that you would not post or feel like posting when you were in the midst of dealing with painful side effects. Mental health issues caused by the accident will likely go unmentioned on your Facebook timeline, and details about the physical injuries you sustained will not be described in detail, if at all.

So how does it look to an opportunistic defence lawyer, when on the one evening you decided to go to your friend’s annual Labour Day barbecue, multiple photos were taken and posted online that made it appear that you were out and about, having the time of your life?

This is where many sufferers who are seeking compensation for their injuries misstep. If you are claiming the accident has dramatically affected your emotional life, but meanwhile, you are trying to portray a carefree and happy image on social media, the defence could use that as evidence to have your case thrown out.

Proper Protocol

If you experience a personal injury, it is wise to avoid posting anything on social media from the day you are injured until the day your case has been settled in court. Despite your abstinence from social media, friends and family still have the power to post updates and images related to you. Therefore, it is highly advised that you speak to those within your inner circle about the potential risks associated with your social media presence and ask them to avoid mentioning you online. Furthermore, while having airtight privacy settings is a good security step to take, the settings may not protect you from the defence gaining access to your posts.

Social media can be great fun, however, suffering after a personal injury is far from it.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you faced. Contact us to book your free consultation.

Skye OliverCan Social Media Impact the Outcome of your Injury Claim?
read more

5 Road Safety Tips

Fall is an exciting time of the year. The leaves are changing colours, the air is getting cooler and the idea of wrapping up in a blanket with a warm beverage is too good to resist. There are pumpkin patches to visit, apples to pick and piles of leaves to jump in.

Going for a car ride to admire the beautiful colours and scenery Ontario has to offer is a great way to spend time with your family outside of your home in a safe environment. While these mini-road trips can induce a sense of freedom and possibility, they can also pose a serious risk when drivers fail to navigate the roads safely.

So, before you embark upon your next adventure, ensure that you’re aware of these safety precautions that must be taken to ensure a safe arrival at your destination:

 

Plan Ahead

First and foremost, it’s crucial to map out your route before you sit down in your vehicle. In doing so, you will learn ahead of time if you will be encountering any obstacles such as construction zones. In addition, planning ahead gives drivers the confidence of knowing how long the drive will take, so they can plan accordingly and avoid rushing through traffic to make it to their destination on time.

 

Double Check Items in Tow

It’s imperative that if you are towing a trailer, a boat, or any other item behind your vehicle, you ensure that it is secured properly. If it’s a trailer, double-check that the lights on it are working, so that the traffic following behind you can see if you are about to pull over or turn. Furthermore, confirm that the trailer tires are in good shape, to avoid any potentially dangerous accidents on the highway.

 

Avoid Distracted Driving

The digital age has created the pressing issue of smartphone addiction. If you’re operating a vehicle, you should comply with a strict “no cell phone” rule, to avoid any temptation to check your phone. Distracted driving is a highly dangerous plague to the safety of drivers everywhere.

Luckily, Ontario law now deems it illegal for drivers to use their phones for communication purposes while on the road. Still, not everyone adheres to these laws, and those who use their cell phone behind the wheel are four times more likely to crash than those who focus on driving. Not only do you amplify the risk of causing your passengers harm by checking your phone, you further put the safety of surrounding vehicles in jeopardy.

However, if you’re on the road and desperately need to make a call, you are permitted to do so using Bluetooth technology and the hands-free function on your phone.

 

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving entails driving with the sole intent of avoiding a collision. This may mean remaining even-tempered when faced with aggressive drivers, maintaining a comfortable speed, and a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. By having patience and practicing defensive driving, you limit the risk of injuring yourself, your passengers, and the people in surrounding vehicles.

 

Stay Focused

If your trips Point A is a considerable distance from its Point B, you’re going to need to ensure that you get the rest you require to avoid a fatigue-related collision. You should not allow the excitement and anticipation of reaching your destination to impair your judgment of when it’s time to take a break from driving. Furthermore, be sure to make frequent stops at gas stations, even if you don’t need to purchase anything so that you can stretch and increase your alertness and blood circulation.

By taking these safety precautions on your road trip, you’ll dramatically lower your risk of getting into an accident on your journey. However, if you have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you faced. Contact us to book your free consultation.

gray_admin5 Road Safety Tips
read more

11 Ways to Manage Your Chronic Pain

If there is one thing that makes day-to-day activities or tasks more difficult, it is chronic pain. That constant throbbing in your neck, sharp pains in your back or aching in your knees. So many people spend countless hours trying to relieve their pain or symptoms with no satisfaction. Common ailments linked to chronic pain can include injuries received in a motor vehicle accident, slip, trip or fall incidents or more severely as a result of a catastrophic or traumatic accident.

To give you a hand and to help bring you some relief, we are sharing WebMD’s list of 11 tips for living with chronic pain. Some of these you might be more familiar with, and some may be new, but everything is worth a try once.

 

  1. Relax using Deep Breathing or Meditation Practices

When we are stressed, our muscles can become tense and tight. Practicing deep breathing or forms of meditation can reduce these symptoms and help you relax. Having a gentle massage or taking time to focus on clearing your mind are other ways to combat tension.

  1. De-Stress

Did you know that feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger can increase the intensity of chronic pain? Learning to manage these types of emotions has been said to provide some relief. There are several ways that you can de-stress. For example, listening to calming music can uplift your mood or writing out your emotions in a journal.

  1. Exercise

This is a popular way to deal with injuries. When you exercise your body naturally releases endorphins which help improve your mood. Exercise, in general, is good for your health, it keeps your blood pressure regular, and cholesterol levels normal and decreases risks for heart diseases. It also strengthens your muscles which, when strong, limit the chance of reinjuring yourself and reduces chronic pain symptoms.

  1. Limit Alcohol Intake

When you deal with chronic pain, getting a night of proper restful sleep is next to impossible. Having a drink to take the edge off may seem like a good idea. However, unlike popular belief, alcohol can make sleep problems worse. Limiting how much you drink alcohol can help improve your quality of sleep.

  1. Connect With Others

It is natural to associate with people who have similar traits to you or interests. Going to group meetings with others who have been in serious motor vehicle accidents or are now suffering from the side effects of others’ negligence keeps you from feeling alone. Connecting with people who are also suffering from the same or similar chronic injury or disease can evoke the same feelings of belonging. Others may also offer symptom relief methods or practices that you may not have tried.

  1. Do Not Smoke

Reduced circulation levels are a known side effect of smoking. This can intensify any circulation conditions and further increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.

  1. Track Pain Levels

Keeping your doctor informed about how you are feeling helps them provide the proper care. Between visits, track how you are feeling in a journal. Using a scale of 1 – 10 and listing out activities or things done that day can help pinpoint what triggers higher pain levels. Sharing this with your doctor can help in the management of chronic pain. This can also be useful if you have suffered an injury at work, such as a slip and fall, and need detailed documentation for medical appointments.

  1. Try Biofeedback Therapy

This method of therapy is new to us. Biofeedback claims to allow you to control various body functions. Using sensors, you can “hear” or “see” different body functions. It is displayed on monitors as squiggly lines that you eventually learn to control these functions using your biological system.

  1. Get a Massage

Quite possibly the most widely used form of stress and chronic pain relief. Massages alleviate the tension in your muscles and allow for complete relaxation. Those who suffer from back and or neck pain as a result of a slip and fall or motor vehicle accident find this method of relief a fantastic way to manage their symptoms.

  1. Eat a well-balanced diet

Believe it or not, what you eat plays a part in how you feel. Eating a well-balanced diet keeps your digestive system running well, reduces the risk of heart disease and keeps your weight under control.

  1. Get Distracted!

Get out and get your mind off things. Sitting around and thinking about your bad knee, cursing the sidewalk for causing you to slip and fall does not make things better, in fact, it does the opposite. Doing something you enjoy will take the focus off your pain and instead keep you preoccupied with the activity at hand.

 

If you experience chronic pain due to a motor vehicle accident, slip, trip or fall or other traumatic accident and are being treated unfairly, you might need legal assistance. Call Dye & Russell for a free claim assessment.

Skye Oliver11 Ways to Manage Your Chronic Pain
read more

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Staying safe and following the rules of the road is always important. It becomes even more important during the winter months when roads and driving conditions are less than ideal.

It is during this time that our team at Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers see an increase in vehicle accidents among other seasonal accidents such as a slip and fall.

Contacting a #personalinjury lawyer if you have been involved in an accident is one of the first things you should do. The experts at Dye and Russell have experience working with #vehicleaccident claims and understand your frustrations. We are here to get you what you deserve and make recovery as smooth as possible.

If you plan on driving anywhere this winter, here’s what you should know.

 

  1. Winterize your vehicle. 

 Prepare your vehicle for the Canadian winters by taking the necessary precautions.

  • Change your tires from all-seasons to winter tires.
  • Properly defrost windows and remove any obstructions like ice.
  • Update your car safety-kit with winter items like an ice scraper.

Failing to equip your vehicle with the proper tires or performing regular maintenance could lead to an accident and potentially cause serious #injury. In instances when an accident has occurred reaching out to an experienced personal injury lawyer can help answer many of the questions you will no doubt have.

  1. Keep fluid levels topped up.

In addition to regular maintenance, it is important to keep your fluids (like gas and windshield-washer fluid) topped up. Condensation in the gas tank has the potential to freeze and cause problems and a lack of windshield-washer fluid can limit visibility when driving.

The lack of visibility is a serious risk while driving in winter conditions. It is easy for ice to build up and for a vehicle to spin out of control. Should you find yourself in this situation and an accident you have been involved in has caused injuries, you should contact an expert like the lawyers at Dye and Russell. They work quickly and diligently to ensure you receive the financial and physical compensation you deserve.

  1. Wipe off your vehicle.

Wiping snow off your vehicle reduces the likelihood of snow sliding off and obstructing the view of drivers behind you. Drivers who have been involved in an accident because of the #negligence of another person should speak with a lawyer immediately.

  1. Have a cellphone. 

In the event of an accident, having a cellphone will allow you to connect with help and emergency services (if needed). It also gives you the ability to connect with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. When you fast dial #1000 from your cellphone, you will be connected with our team at Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers. Helping you from the start is part of the Dye and Russell experience.

By no means should a cellphone be used by the individual while driving; drivers should pull off to the side of the road before making a call.

  1. Adjust for the road conditions. 

No matter what tips you follow, adjust your driving to match the road conditions. It is your responsibility to be a safe driver and take the necessary precautions.

 

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact the experts at Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers. Their team of professionals have years of experience in #personalinjury law and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call and book your FREE consultation today at 1-877-883-6171 or fast dial #1000 on your cell phone.

Skye OliverTips for Safe Winter Driving
read more

Hit and Run Accident: Why You Should Contact A Lawyer

A hit and run accident is an accident where one of the parties involved leaves the scene of the accident. Often the vehicle that leaves the scene is unidentified and has failed to exchange information with the other driver, however, this is not always the case. There are instances where the other vehicle has been successfully identified whether by someone at the scene or at a later date. Hit and run accidents can also involve pedestrians who have been struck by a vehicle that has then fled the scene.

Leaving the scene of a hit and run accident between vehicles is a criminal offence under the Highway Traffic Act – especially if an individual is injured because of the accident.

These types of accidents can have serious consequences. It becomes harder to determine liability and collect accident details when there is no one at the scene to be held accountable or question. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer right away will help ensure victims are fully compensated.

 

Accident Claims
Even if an individual is involved in a hit and run accident that results in injury and the other vehicle cannot be identified, our team of professionals will find you coverage through your own insurance policy. In Ontario, the standard policy of insurance, referred to as OAP 1, contains provisions that allow you to seek recourse through unidentified and/or uninsured conditions of your own insurance policy. An experienced lawyer at Dye and Russell can help explain these legal difficulties & help recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Persons injured as a pedestrian, even while lacking an OAP 1, are still eligible to receive compensation. The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (MVACF) is a provincial body, set by the Province of Ontario, to assist persons without insurance. It is through this fund that a person can obtain accident benefits. Connecting with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you receive fair compensation.

 

Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you work with a personal injury lawyer from Dye and Russell, we’ll make sure you have access to certain types of benefits and provide the help you need to navigate the system of insurance. Often times people think because the vehicle or person responsible for the accident cannot be identified, they have no options.
Our lawyers have experience working with big insurance companies and know how to get you maximum coverage. It is our responsibility to help identify the opportunities of recourse available to you. For instance, your own insurance policy. Any dependents, such as a spouse or child, are able to seek legal remedy under that policy.

 

Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
An expert lawyer from Dye and Russell can help you navigate the insurance system and help you get the fair and rightful compensation you deserve. They can assist with getting access to additional coverage under your policy and help you understand the legal side of your case.

 

If you or someone you know has been involved in a hit and run accident, call the professional lawyers at Dye and Russell today at 1-877-883-6171.

 

 

Skye OliverHit and Run Accident: Why You Should Contact A Lawyer
read more

Tips & Tricks: Bike Safety Basics

Cycling is a great way to get around—it gets you from point A to point B all while keeping you fit and helping the environment. Some studies have even shown that it is the safest mode of transportation, particularly for young adults. Even so, around 7,500 cyclists suffer severe injuries every year in Canada, while 70, 000 are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to cycling, according to the CBC.

Over half of the Toronto population cycles, that’s 54% of Torontonians. Luckily, the Toronto Cycling Network Plan is working on making Toronto a more bike-friendly city. Hopefully, Canadian cities will one day be as welcoming to cyclists as European cities, where cyclist injury and death rates are substantially lower. As this eco-friendly method of transportation becomes more popular, cyclists and drivers will become more aware of their places on the roads and fewer accidents will occur.

Until then, there are many things cyclists can be aware of to ensure their safety on the roads. Here are some bike safety tips and tricks based on facts from the CBC and Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation:

Where you can and cannot ride

  • Cyclists must stay as close to the right side of the road as possible, especially if you’re slower than other traffic.
  • Cyclists cannot ride on controlled-access highways, such as Ontario’s 400-series highways
  • Cyclists are only allowed to walk their bikes through pedestrian crossovers.

Where and when it’s best to ride

If cyclists aren’t planning to ride to and from work, they should avoid riding during the afternoon rush hour—17% of cyclist deaths and 23% of cyclist injuries occur during this time.

The worst time for a cyclist to ride is at night—30% of cyclist deaths occur at this time. Avoiding busy cities and intersections is ideal for a cyclist’s safety—despite traffic control signs, cyclists are more likely to be injured in an area with these features. Cyclists should also avoid rural areas where the speed limits are 80km/h or more—44% of cyclist deaths happen on these roads.

Wearing a helmet

It is illegal for any cyclist under the age of 18 to ride without a helmet.

For any cyclist under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must ensure that they are not riding without a helmet. Adults are not required to wear a helmet, although it is strongly recommended, as it lowers a cyclist’s chance of injury by 90%.

Additional cycling laws 

The following are changes made regarding cycling law after the passing of Bill 31- Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act , effective September 1, 2015: 

  • All drivers of motor vehicles are required to maintain a minimum distance of one metre, where practical, when passing cyclists on highways;
  • Persons who improperly open or leave opened the doors of motor vehicles on highways face increased penalties (commonly known as “dooring”).
  • The fine for non-compliance with bicycle light, reflector and reflective requirements will increase; and
  • Cyclists are permitted to use lamps that produce intermittent flashes of red light.

 

For more information on Ontario bike laws, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website. If you know of a cyclist who has been in an accident, have them contact us at our Ajax (905-427-2000) or Barrie offices (705-726-2146) for their free consultation.

gray_adminTips & Tricks: Bike Safety Basics
read more

Brain Injury Awareness Month: Preventing Injuries

June is an exciting month. Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. It’s also Brain Injury Awareness month and with that comes a number of opportunities to shed light on brain injuries and ways to help prevent them.

Did you know that more than 20, 000 people each year are admitted to the hospital with serious brain related injuries? In 2016 – 2017 alone approximately 46, 000 children went to the emergency room and were diagnosed with a concussion.

Making sure situations such as sports or recreational activities are safe for everyone helps reduce the risk of injury. The key being prevention and awareness. You’re the first line of defense!

Here are 4 things you should know about preventing brain injuries.

  1. Seat Belts

When you’re in the car, no matter how far the drive may be, wearing your seat belt is a top priority.  A significant number of injuries and deaths happen as a result of car accidents and about 50% are prevented thanks to seat belts.

  1. Reduce Distractions

Cell phones are the number one cause of distractions among drivers. When you’re behind the wheel staying focused on the road should be the only thing that’s important. Put the phone down, whatever it is can wait. Your life is more important than the text you just got.

  1. Child Safety

Kids are always getting hurt and bumping their heads on whatever is around. Take steps to prevent trips and falls by installing safety gates around stairs, using non slip mats in bathtubs or putting up window guards to prevent a potentially fatal injury.

  1. Helmets & Safety Gear

Both adults and children are susceptible to head injuries whether at work or during recreation. Make sure you wear a helmet during sports activities like baseball or football or the appropriate safety helmet on construction sites. Keeping your brain protected is one of the smartest things you can do!

 

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

Skye OliverBrain Injury Awareness Month: Preventing Injuries
read more

Easy ways to improve your driving

Even though you may be an experienced driver, over time you can pick up bad habits. Not only do bad habits put you at risk on the road but they also endanger those driving around you.

If you are looking to progress your driving there are some simple ways to get better that will help keep you safer behind the wheel. Here are some quick tips:

  1. Go back to basics

It’s nothing out of the ordinary to see drivers forgetting to execute the basics that you learn in driving school. But forgetting to do so is dangerous. Simple things, like entering the left lane of the street you’re turning on to when turning left at an intersection, signaling when changing lanes or when backing out of a parking spot, and coming to a full stop at stop signs, are key for your safety. Also, bad habits like driving when you’re in a rush, distracted or over-tired are all dangerous habits that can lead you to drive recklessly. Try to only drive when well rested, give yourself time to make the trip and put the phone away when you’re behind the wheel.

  1. Adjust your mirrors

Make sure your side mirrors are adjusted properly. While you can’t completely eliminate blind spots, and need to fully turn your head to check them before changing lanes or turning, having your mirrors adjusted optimally can greatly reduce them. To adjust your driver’s side mirror, move the mirror so you can barely see the edge of the vehicle in the mirror’s right-hand side when your head is against the left-side car window. To adjust the passenger side mirror, move it so that you can barely see the side of the vehicle in the left-side of the mirror when your head is just above the center console. This will give you much better view around your vehicle while driving.

  1. Learn high-beam protocol

High-beams are a key tool to help you see on poorly lit roads at night and extreme daytime weather, but they can also be blinding. Make sure to turn off your high-beams when approaching another vehicle to prevent other drivers from becoming blinded by your lights. If other drivers on the road fail to do this it’s recommended to look at the right side of the road and follow the painted edge line instead of looking directly at the lights.

  1. Make your left turns safer

When waiting to make a left turn point your wheels straight rather than to the left. If a car strikes yours from behind and your wheels are turned left you will be pushed into oncoming traffic. Stay safe by keeping them straight.

  1. Keep your eyes moving

Don’t go into auto-pilot with your eyes while driving. Make sure to be checking your mirrors, looking far ahead and at the vehicles around you. Some drivers have a tendency of focusing solely on the car in front of them which can make it harder to realize that you’re getting closer and closer to them.

  1. Keep your distance

While driving we can get in the habit of not leaving enough room between our car and the one in front of us. Time the distance between your car and the one in front of you by noticing when the car in front of you passes a marker on the road. When it does, time how long it takes for you to reach that same marker. A recommended time-distance to leave between your car and the car in front of you is 4 seconds which gives you enough reaction time in case the car in front of you suddenly breaks.

  1. Go back to class

Over time the rules of the road change. If it’s been a long time since you last took a driving course perhaps a driving refresher course would be good for you. Doing so can help keep you up to speed on changed driving rules as well as keep your driving skills sharp.

  1. Study your car

Get a deep understanding of your car’s features. Vehicles today are coming out with an increasing number of safety features on them, like rear-view cameras and lane departure warnings. Take time to research to learn their abilities and limitations so you don’t over rely on them but also take advantage of all your vehicle has to offer.

  1. Learn how to properly use a roundabout

The one thing that many experienced drivers are still daunted by is roundabouts. If you find roundabouts intimidating focus on learning how to use them properly. There is an online guide available from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

  1. Go to the optometrist

Having good eyesight is key for keeping your driving skills sharp. As you age eye problems can arise gradually, so they can be difficult to notice yourself. Getting your eyes checked regularly by an optometrist can help you catch any problems and allow you to have them addressed.

While you can be a very safe driver, sometimes accidents do happen. Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

gray_adminEasy ways to improve your driving
read more

5 ways to avoid drowsy driving

It’s shocking how many Ontarians are driving fatigued or drowsy. A study estimates that 27% of crashes resulting in fatality or injury are related to fatigued driving. Also, a public opinion poll found nearly 60% of Ontario drivers admit to driving fatigued sometimes at the very least and 14.5% have admitted to falling asleep or nodding off while driving in the past year.

Here are five key ways to avoid driving while drowsy and stay safe on the road from The Canada Safety Council:

1. Drive only when rested

Getting behind the wheel when you’re fatigued or drowsy puts others at risk. If you are going to be driving in the near future plan ahead for a good night’s rest. If you are fatigued and need to drive somewhere either sleep first, find a way to cancel or postpone the trip to another time when you’ll be alert, or get a rested person to drive instead.

2. Keep your mind alert

While you’re driving do things that help keep you alert. Listening to up-tempo music, talking to company in the vehicle, and chewing gum are all things that might work for you. Make sure to actively watch road signs and traffic and keep your head up and shoulders back while changing position frequently.

3. Find a safe place to stop

If you’re taking a long trip you should be especially be aware of your energy levels and whether you’re feeling fatigued or drowsy. Relying on coffee to keep you awake and not stopping can be dangerous. Every couple hours you should take a break from driving and pull off the road for some exercise and fresh air. If you are sleepy find a safe place to take a nap or spend the night at a hotel.

4. Be careful about what you eat and drink

Make sure to hydrate and eat high-protein snacks over heavy or fatty foods that will make you sleepy. If you are going to be driving you should avoid alcohol and medications that can that can cause fatigue or drowsiness. If you need to take medication talk with your doctor to find out how to lessen it’s effects on driving.

5. Drive defensively

While driving make sure to be prepared to prevent a collision if other drivers around you are drowsy. Driving defensively is important to protect yourself.

Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

gray_admin5 ways to avoid drowsy driving
read more

5 Road Trip Safety Tips for the Open Road this Summer

During the summer months, many families choose to pack up their vehicles and hit the pavement for adventure filled road trips. Although car trips can induce a sense of freedom and possibility, they can also pose a serious risk when drivers fail to navigate the roads safely.

So before you embark upon your summer road trip, ensure that you’re aware of these safety precautions that must be taken to ensure a safe arrival at your destination:

Plan Ahead

First and foremost, it’s crucial to map out your route before you sit down in your vehicle. In doing so, you will learn ahead of time if you will be encountering any obstacles such as construction zones. In addition, planning ahead gives drivers the confidence of knowing how long the drive will take, so they can plan accordingly and avoid rushing through traffic to make it to their destination on time.

Double Check Items in Tow 

It’s imperative that if you are towing a trailer, a boat, or any other item behind your vehicle, you ensure that it is secured properly. If it’s a trailer, double check that the lights on it are working, so that the traffic following behind you can see if you are about to pull over or turn. Furthermore, confirm that the trailer tires are in good shape, to avoid any potentially dangerous accidents on the highway.

Avoid Distracted Driving

The digital age has created the pressing issue of smartphone addiction. If you’re operating a vehicle, you should comply to a strict “no cell phone” rule, to avoid any temptation to check your phone. Distracted driving is a highly dangerous plague to the safety of drivers everywhere.

Luckily, Ontario law now deems it illegal for drivers to use their phones for communication purposes while on the road. Still, not everyone adheres to these laws, and those who use their cell phone behind the wheel are four times more likely to crash than those who focus on driving. Not only do you amplify the risk of causing your passengers harm by checking your phone, you further put the safety of surrounding vehicles in jeopardy.

However, if you’re on the road and desperately need to make a call, you are permitted to do so using Bluetooth technology and the hands-free function on your phone.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving entails driving with the sole intent of avoiding collision. This may mean remaining even-tempered when faced with aggressive drivers, maintaining a comfortable speed, and also a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. By having patience and practicing defensive driving, you limit the risk of injuring yourself, your passengers, and the people in surrounding vehicles.

Stay Focused 

If your trips point a is a considerable distance from its point b, you’re going to need to ensure that you get the rest you require in order to avoid a fatigue related collision. You should not allow the excitement and anticipation of reaching your destination impair your judgment of when it’s time to take a break from driving. Furthermore, be sure to take frequent stops at gas stations, even if you don’t need to purchase anything, so that you can stretch and increase your alertness and blood circulation.

By taking these safety precautions on your road trip, you’ll dramatically lower your risk of getting into an accident on your journey.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

gray_admin5 Road Trip Safety Tips for the Open Road this Summer
read more