With the solstice behind us, summer is now officially here. For many of us that means it's time to hit the road with family and friends to take advantage of the warm weather and long weekends. Just remember that summer is also construction season and that road work is a temporary but necessary inconvenience. As such, it's every driver's responsibility to ensure road worker safety. As you plan your road trip, keep in mind these five tricks for maximizing your fun while staying safe.
1. Plan ahead. Planning ahead will help you avoid delays. Use a GPS to plan out your route and to check for traffic updates. If you're going far, plan a pit stop for gas and to stretch your legs. Fuel up more than your gas tank — make sure to stock a cooler with snacks and water to stay hydrated and energized. Check the local traffic report for construction zones and other delays so they're expected. Ontario511 is an excellent tool to help plan your drive.
2. Follow the rules of the road. Ensure your safety and that of your passengers by following the rules of the road. Speed limits change in construction zones for important reasons — one of which is road worker safety. Make sure you follow posted signage and exercise extra caution in construction zones.
3. Avoid distractions. Avoiding distractions while driving is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, including road workers. Plan your route before departing and only use your cell phone when parked. Make sure to set your climate control, mirrors and GPS in advance. Create the perfect playlist before hitting the road so you're not flipping through the radio or your phone. Once you're in the car hand over your devices to a passenger or tuck them away out of sight so you're not tempted to pick them up at a brief stop.
4. Stay off the major routes. Maximize the fun by taking a detour. Summer construction tends to focus on the major routes, roads and highways. Avoid the traffic by switching it up and detouring through Ontario's beautiful country roads.
5. Set expectations. You're not the only one hitting the road this summer. Ontario's roads will be busy with traffic and construction. Set expectations early that regular routes and trips may take longer than usual. Prepare in advance with snacks, scheduled breaks and the perfect playlist to make delays fly by.
Source: www.newscanada.com
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