11 Tips for Driving Safe This March Break

March Break can be all kinds of fun! Whether you’re heading out on a roadtrip with your family or simply driving to the airport for a much needed trip, you’ll want to ensure you’ve done all you can to make your trip a safe one.

These tips will help set you up for safe driving, so you can take to the roads worry-free and enjoy your vacation.

1. Plan ahead. Know where you’re going before you start driving there. Plan your route, look into any road closures, and be sure to allow plenty of time to get where you’re going. If you’re using a GPS system, program it before you leave.
2. Drive defensively. A defensive driver is a safe driver, one who is proactive not reactive. Check out these great tips to improve your defensive driving.
3. Avoid distractions. Don’t let anything distract you on your March Break, including your own cellphone. Distracted driving is not only dangerous, it’s illegal.
4. Plan for long trips. If your March Break travel plans involve long bouts of driving, you’ll want to check out this list of safety tips for long road trips. 
5. Occupy the kids. If you’re driving little ones, take some time to ensure they’re ready for the trip. Pack games for them to play in the back, snacks for them to eat, and videos for them to watch. And don’t forget to take bathroom breaks! If your kids are entertained, they’ll be less likely to distract you while you’re driving.
6. Leave your bad habits at home. Habits like listening to music through earbuds are great for at home or on public transit, but not for when you’re on the road. Here are five common bad driving habits to put the brakes on.
7. Buckle up. It goes without saying, but we’d be remiss not to remind you to fasten your seatbelts. Ensure that child seats are installed and fastened correctly and that everyone buckles up.
8. Know what to do in the event of an accident. Nobody wants an accident to happen, but if it does, it’s good to know what to do. This infograph will give you a quick refresher on who to call and how to report things.
9. Check driving laws for other provinces and states. If you’re driving out of province, be sure to read up on road rules wherever you’re going. Each province and state has different driving laws that affect driver safety. A quick internet search will ensure you know whether it’s legal to turn right or not.
10. Pack jumper cables. If you don’t already have a set of jumper cables in your vehicle, it’s a good idea to grab some. They start at around $20 and will make all the difference if, for example, someone forgets to turn a car light off and your battery dies. Here’s how to jump start your car.
11. Be in the right mindset. If you’re driving while angry, stressed or tired, you’re increasing your chances of making a mistake on the road. These mindsets are distracting, ruin your focus and take away the fun of a roadtrip. A well-rested, clear-minded driver will be more focused while driving and more likely to have a good time.

Have a great March Break! If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, give your OTIP broker a call at 1-888-892-4935.