In Ottawa, driving is part of most people’s daily routine, and doing it safely is extremely important because it will ensure you get to your destination without harming yourself or other drivers on the road. Like many Canadian cities, driving in Ottawa can be a daunting experience. With a bustling downtown core and rapidly changing weather, it’s critical to know how to properly navigate the city. The following tips will help youperfect driving safely in Ottawa. Let’s take a look!
1. Stay Focused
Distractions are hazardous and can result in deadly consequences. Texting, talking, eating and looking through your playlist while you drive are all distractions that can impact your driving abilities. Whenever you’re behind the wheel, focus on the road because looking away, even for a second, can increase your chances of a collision, or worse. Although this is crucial for all places, do keep it in mind to continue driving safely in Ottawa.
2. Practice Safe Driving On The Weekend
Learning how to drive in busy and high-volume road conditions can affect your driving skills and may cause you to feel uncomfortable and stressed. So with that in mind, leave your learning for Sundays! This is the safest day to drive, and you will be able to learn more comfortably and at ease. If you’re unable to drive on weekends due to work or other obligations, try driving in the evening in an empty parking lot!
3. Look Out For Pedestrians
Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are increasing, and drivers need to pay attention to this. This is especially true when approaching crosswalks or busy intersections. Pedestrians and cyclists must also be mindful so that the number of incidents decreases.
Cities such as Ottawa, or any big city for that matter, have a lot of people biking or walking to and from their destinations. Due to this, it’s important to keep your eyes on the lookout for them, as they are just as common as vehicles. Remember, to drive safely in Ottawa (and other places as well), cars are not the only things on the road!
4. Don’t Forget Your Winter Tires
It’s no secret that Ottawa can get cold in the winter. When this happens, you can expect a plethora of snow and ice. The last thing you want to do is wake up to a snowfall and be unprepared. Winter tires can make a world of difference, especially with the harsh winters we tend to experience in Ottawa. Snow tires are a preventative measure that can help you drive safely during the colder season. So, don’t wait until the first snowfall before you put them on! This is a top tip to remember in order to drive safely in Ottawa, both seasonally and year-round.
Remember, once winter ends, it is important you switch back to your all-season tires. Failure to do so can result in massive wear, sometimes making them unusable next year. This can result in a lot of money out of your pocket.
5. Get Comfortable With Roundabouts
If you feel uncomfortable with this aspect of driving, you are not alone. However, familiarizing yourself with roundabouts is very important because they are known to reduce vehicle collisions significantly. The city of Ottawa has several roundabout intersections to help decrease the number of crashes and vehicle fatalities, and mastering them is crucial when it comes to driving safely in Ottawa. So, brush up on your knowledge regarding their key features and how vehicles must yield to pedestrians and traffic so that you’re comfortable driving through them.
6. Always Leave Extra Space
Ottawa is a big city, and with big cities come traffic and congestion. When it comes to driving safely in Ottawa, it is important that you leave some extra space between cars. This mostly applies to the car in front of you. More space provides ample time to come to a complete (safe) stop should you ever brake abruptly. Leaving about eight to ten seconds between you and the car in front of you will reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. For measurement’s sake, that’s about a car’s length or more.
7. Practice Patience
Patience is essential for driving safely. While you’re on the road, rage can cause you to make bad, impulsive decisions, which can lead to dangerous consequences. Basic courtesy will go a long way, so remain patient and calm, even in tough situations. To avoid rushing, leave well in advance of when you need to arrive at your destination.
8. Never Drive Impaired
No matter where you are in Ontario, there is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to impaired driving. This is the case whether it’s due to alcohol, drugs or even lack of sleep. Remember, no matter where you are in Ontario, do not drive if you plan on drinking alcohol! Not only is it dangerous, but if caught, you can face a range of penalties. Always ensure you are sober and well-rested before getting behind the wheel of a car.
9. Avoid Driving While Distracted
Similar to driving impaired, driving while distracted is a mistake that can lead to extreme repercussions. Driving while distracted is one of the biggest contributors to vehicle collisions, and it is important to make sure you never use your phone or any other electronic device when behind the wheel. This includes using your phone, putting on makeup, eating, or doing anything else to divert your attention from the road!
10. Have An Emergency Toolkit Handy
Whether you’re driving safely in Ottawa or elsewhere, it is important to always be prepared for the worst when you’re on the road. This is why it is important to have a car emergency kit handy. Your kit should include the essentials when it comes to keeping yourself safe. Some examples of what should be in your kit should include:
- Flashlight
- Bottled Water
- Non-Perishable Food
- Road Flare
- Hand Sanitizer
- Booster Kit
- First-Aid Kit
- Snow Brush
At isure, we know all about the importance of driving safely in Ottawa and elsewhere. This is why if you’re ever in the market for car insurance, you should never hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us or request a quote below.
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