It seems as though there is a new report of a serious car accident in the news everyday.  Many of us have either been involved in a vehicle collision or know someone who has. Lives change in an instant.

There are steps that we can all take to protect ourselves while driving, or in the aftermath of a car accident. The following recommendations for safe driving address some of the most common causes of collisions due to driver negligence or error.

Under no circumstances should anyoone drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  In 2010-2011, impaired driving was a serious underlying offence in over 48,000 cases in Ontario. Times have changed and most of use plan ahead for alternate transportation home when we plan to have a few drinks.  Having a designated driver or calling a taxi can prevent serious and life changing injuries to ourselves and others.  The 2013 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) reported 119 drinking and driving fatalities for that year.

Speeding is another common cause of serious injury and death to drivers across Ontario.  The preliminary ORSAR report noted 65 road fatalities in 2013 due to speed.  Research has shown that while speeding may save you a few minutes in time, it increases your risk for accident and injury by around fifty percent.

Driving while sleepy or tired is another cause of serious accidents. Pull over, lock the doors, take a short nap. You will be surprised how refereshed you feel.

Distracted driving, including using a cell phone or electronic device, is illegal and unsafe.  Legislation concerning the use of handheld devices while driving in Ontario carries a $300.00 to $1,000.00 fine and/or up to three demerit points as of September 2015.  Other common and avoidable factors that can be contributors to distracted driving are applying makeup and eating/drinking while driving.  The ORSAR noted 79 fatalities due to inattentive driving in 2013.

Seatbelts save lives when worn correctly.  It is mandatory in Ontario that drivers and passengers wear seatbelts when a vehicle is in use.  In fact, Ontario was the first province in Canada to successfully pass a law requiring occupants in a vehicle to wear seat belts with a fine and demerit points as punishment for those who did not comply.  Many of us remember the days when almost no one wore a seatbelt. Thirty years later, virtually everyone does. Most people recognize the importance of seatbelt use, although some still take this unnecessary risk. The ORSAR noted 65 fatalities for the year 2013 related to failure to wear seatbelts.

Winter driving in Canada presents unique challenges to drivers. Consider winter tires, reduce your speed, increase the distance between you and the car in front of you, and generally drive carefully. Sometimes it may make more sense to stay home than risk an accident during very bad weather.

Maintaining your vehicle in proper running condition is important for safe driving.  Worn parts, such as tires or brakes, can contribute to or cause collisions.  Regular vehicle maintenance  is essential for driving safety, most particularly when you need to react to challenging events on the road, such as icy driving conditions, or when you have to brake and steer quickly to avoid a collision.

By protecting ourselves and others through safe driving strategies, we are far less likely to be the cause of an accident and life-changing injuries to vehicle occupants, pedestrians or cyclists.  At Burn Tucker Lachaîne, our personal injury lawyers represent clients who have been seriously injured in car accidents.  Our knowledgeable, empathetic staff and skilled lawyers provide the expertise needed to resolve a successful claim for you.  Call or visit us today for a free initial consultation to help you understand your options and rights.

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