Rail Information for Travellers

Level crossings

Every year, Canadians die in the crossing and trespassing incidents, most of which are preventable. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent injuries and deaths on the slopes:

* Obey the signals. Last year, 38 people died and 54 others were seriously injured at crossings. Never attempt to drive under a gate that closes, or a closed gate. If the barrier is beginning to shut down while driving at a crossing, keep moving until you have cleared the crossing.
* Listen for warning bells and whistles. Turn off distractions such as radios, fans and heaters. Ask the children to be quiet until the crossing is crossed safely, and open the window to help you hear.
* Be prepared to stop at all crossings without signaling. It is very important to look closely for any approaching trains. It is very difficult to accurately judge the distance of a train and how fast it moves. Trains can not stop quickly. A train travelling at 100 km / h requires the length of 14 football pitches to stop and it can not deviate to avoid you.
* Walking or playing on railroad tracks is not only dangerous, it is against the law. The only safe place to cross the railroad is at a crossing.

Top
Road

Before you run, whether at the grocery store or on a long journey, take a moment to read the safety tips.
Check your tires

Without proper maintenance, tires could fail and you lose control of your vehicle. Proper tire maintenance is not only critical for the safe operation of your vehicle, but also improve fuel economy, prolong the life of tires, to provide better vehicle handling, help prevent breakdowns and " avoid collisions, and to reduce exhaust emissions that contribute to the environment, health and climate Problems related to the changes.

* Check your tires once a month, especially before heading on a long journey.
* Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper levels do not exceed the limit of your vehicle. This information can usually be found on the inside of the driver's door.
* Inspect your tires regularly for uneven wear, cuts, cracks, bulges and foreign objects and rotate the tires on a regular basis.

Sharing the road with large trucks and commercial vehicles

There are more commercial vehicles on the road in Canada now than ever before. These vehicles can be up to 40 times heavier than an average car and take more than twice the stopping distance. To prevent collisions with vehicles, remember:

* Avoid cutting in front of trucks or braking sharply in front of them.
* When you are in the driver's blind spot, move quickly and never pass on the right, where the blind spot is even greater. If you can not see the face of the driver in his rearview mirror, they can not see you.
* When passing a truck, make sure you can do so safely, signals, and then move quickly. Be prepared to encounter splash and spray on wet roads.

Cell phones and other distractions

Be careful: not engaged in the activities of distracted driving. Cellular phones and other electronic devices such as navigation systems are seen as key factors in road collisions.

* Do not use a phone while driving.
* Turn off the phone before you start driving. Let callers to leave a message.
* If there are passengers in the vehicle, one of them can take or make the call.
* If you are expecting an important call, let someone else drive.

Core safety tips

* Wear your seat belt. Nearly 40 percent of all vehicle occupants were killed in 2002, was not wearing a seat belt. So if you are a driver or passenger seatbelts.
* When working properly, seat belts saves lives. Seat belts must be kept low and snug on the hips, while shoulder belts should always be worn on the chest.
* Inflatables save lives. Because they deploy very quickly, you have at least 25 inches away from the air bag compartment and wear your seat belt.
* Do not drink and drive. Alcohol is a factor in fatalities. Nearly two out of five drivers were killed drinking.
* Slow down. The excessive speed is a contributing factor in 20 percent of deaths of the occupant.
* Each year, 25 percent of fatalities and 40 percent of serious injuries from vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Be careful, even if you have the right of way.
* Do not forget to pay attention to motorbikes and bicycles and to be courteous to those road users.
* The safest place for children under 12 is in the back seat. Have children travelling in the back seat, especially when there is an airbag on the passenger side.
* About 70 percent of automobile injuries to children can be prevented by using the proper car or booster seat for their size and weight.

Durability

* Driving at low speeds can also help save money. For example, driving at 100 km / h on the highway instead of 120 kilometres per hour uses 20 per cent less fuel.
* Remove your roof rack when not in use. These racks, empty or full, increase aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
* 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than if you stop and restart your machine. So, turn off your engine when you stop to save money and help protect the environment.