July 29th, 2010 - Safely Sharing the Northern Roads

Driving on the northern roads is not the same as driving in the city or on a paved highway. Extra care and attention to safety is necessary to keep you, me, and everyone on the roads safe.  Too often we are hearing stories of accidents on the roads – what makes it worse, is that they are almost always preventable.  It may seem like some basic rules to follow, but because people know the roads so well, sometimes people forget about being safe.

There are a few things you can do to make sure you get home to your friends and family after driving in the north.

1. Slow down: Speed is the biggest issue on the road.  If you slow down, you will have more time to react and your vehicle will handle better when moving over.  You are also likely to end up with a cracked windshield.  The posted speed limit on the gravel roads is 80 km/hr, but if weather or road conditions aren’t perfect, drive slower.
2. Do not pass any vehicle at the top of the a hill: If you need to pass, be sure to do it at a safe time.  Do not pass when approaching a hill or at the top of the hill. There may be vehicles coming the opposite direction.
3. Semi-Trucks will help you pass: If you are behind a semi-truck that you would like to pass, do not follow too close behind it.  You will end up in a dust cloud and the truck driver will not be able to see you. If you stay far enough back, the truck driver will be able to see you and pull to the side and slow down when he or she thinks it is safe for you to pass.
4. Stay on your side of the road: The roads are wide enough for vehicles to encounter each other, but be sure to not ride the centre of the road.  If an oncoming vehicle appears you or they may not have enough time to move to your side.
5. Do not drink and drive: If you have consumed alcohol and need to get somewhere, make alternative arrangements for transportation. Or, just don’t go.

Truck drivers are trained, cautious, and have an excellent safety record.  They have friends and family to get home to, and so do you.  Please help everyone be safer on the roads by following the five tips.  We will be releasing a video next month so you can hear from truck drivers themselves on how everyone can be safer on the roads.