Heat, Sun and Vehicle Performance
Monitor engine temperature (on your instrument panel). Confirm air conditioning is functioning for driver alertness and passenger comfort. Consider ways you can reduce the sun glare while driving, wear polarized sunglasses, use the sun visor, keep your windshield clean.
Work Zone Awareness
Expect increased construction activity (summer is construction season in Canada). Reduce speed early, watch for lane changes, debris on roadways, and maintain extra following distance to avoid sudden-stop collisions. Watch for road closures and detours. Obey all traffic and construction related signage. Watch for construction workers.
Increased Traffic & Road Users
Be prepared for more vehicles on the road. Tourists, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcycles all sharing the same road. Scan intersections carefully, check blind spots and mirrors frequently, especially when turning. Be careful in residential neighbourhoods and near parks for children playing.
Sudden Summer Storms
Heavy rain can reduce visibility and traction. Slow down, use headlights, increase following distance, and avoid abrupt braking or steering. Check your wiper blades.
Passenger Safety – Accessible vehicles
Ensure passengers remain seated while in motion and exercise caution in busy wheelchair loading and unloading areas.
Wildlife Awareness
Stay alert for increased wildlife activity, especially at dawn and dusk (when animals tend to eat). Use high beams when safe and reduce speed in rural or wooded areas. If an animal steps out onto the road, brake hard in a straight line, not swerving into the oncoming lane or shoulder, with hands steady until the animal clears.
Fire Risk Awareness
Hot and dry weather conditions increase fire risk. Check news and be aware of wildfires in your area. Make sure you emergency procedures in place in the event of a potential evacuation.
Bryan Broomfield, Procurement Specialist