The Student Union Society is passionate about our students and, more than anything, the safety of our students. That is why we started our Annual Safe Driving Campaign.

This year, we will be hosting on-campus activities, speakers, and interactive displays to encourage safe driving practices. We have partnered with local resources to provide you with everything you’ll need this icy season!

EMERGENCY CAR KIT

Every car should be prepped with a Winter Emergency Kit that includes the below supplies:

Distracted Driving

Even if you’re not using your phone, you may still be distracted. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, like chatting with passengers, eating or drinking, or adjusting radio or vehicle settings, can contribute to distracted driving.

Tips for safe cell phone use

No call, text, or email
Turn it to silent and keep it out of reach and out of sight
Assign a designated texter
Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need
Pullover to make or receive a call
Avoid looking at screens while driving

Learn the rules of the road

Don’t use your cellphone at a red light
Keep your hands off, use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth or headphones that can be operated with one touch or voice commands.
If you have a Learner’s (L) or a Novice (N) License, you aren’t allowed to use any electronic devices behind the wheel, even if it’s in hands-free mode.

SPEED

Speeding is a major contributing factor to car crash fatalities in BC. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop - and the more dangerous the collision can be.

THE COSTS OF SPEEDING

Driver risk premium: If you have one or more excessive speeding tickets, you pay a driver risk premium.
Fine: Ticket fines increase further over the speed limit you drive.
Vehicle Impoundment: Besides the violation ticket fine and driver risk premium, police can immediately impound your vehicle for seven days if you’re travelling more than 40 km/hour over the speed limit.
Gas: When you increase your speed or when your speed varies too frequently, your fuel consumption goes up.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE

Allow at least two seconds’ following distance behind other vehicles in good weather and road conditions and at least three seconds’ on a highway.
Slow down for poor weather conditions or uneven roads and increase your following distance to at least four seconds. Remember that the distance required to stop increases in wet or slippery conditions.
Don’t speed up as someone is trying to pass you. Help the other driver get back into your lane by slowing down and making room.
Be realistic about your travel time and plan your trip. Increasing your speed does not decrease travel time in a meaningful way, so if you’re running late, accept the delay.

IMPAIRED DRIVING

If your activities involve alcohol or drugs, plan ahead for a safe ride home as your ability to safely drive may be compromised. Arrange a designated driver, call a taxi, a friend, or a ride-hailing service, or take transit.

HINT: Watch this video - Markita Kaulius discusses the impact impaired driving can have on you and those you share the road with.

LIQUOR

If you’ve been drinking at home, stay home and don’t drive.

CANNABIS

Research shows that driving within three hours of consuming cannabis doubles the risk of collision.
Cannabis impairs both the cognitive and motor abilities you use to safely operate a vehicle.
Cannabis can also slow your reaction time, slow your ability to make decisions, and make it harder for you to split your attention.
If you’re going to consume cannabis, the safe thing to do is to arrange alternative transportation.

OTHER DRUGS

Other illicit and legal drugs, including prescribed or over-the-counter medication, may impact your ability to drive. If you are taking any medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist to understand how it may impact your ability to drive.

How to respond to certain driving situations

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning happens when the tires lose contact with the road surface and float on a film of water
If you find yourself hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and keep steering in the direction you want to go. Avoid braking.

Black Ice

During the winter, temperatures can change quickly, which can cause unpredictable road conditions. Although the road may look the same, black ice can form unexpectedly and may not be visible.
Black ice is commonly found on roads with shaded areas, bridges, overpasses, and intersections where car exhaust and packed snow freeze quickly
If you drive over black ice and start a skid, ease off the accelerator, and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go.
Don’t brake, this will make the situation worse. You may need to repeat this maneuver several times until you regain control.

Adjust for Poor Conditions

For all types of winter hazards, remember two key tips:

Reduce your speed
Increase your following distance

The more time you have to react to any hazard the better.

What to do if you get in a collision
What to do if you witness a collision
If you’re really tired while driving

Preparing for Winter Driving

• Winter tires are a good option, as they will provide greater traction under snowy or icy conditions. HINT! Enter our 2023 Safe Driving Campaign Giveaway for your chance to win one of two $500 to Kal Tire (Coutts Way)

• Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight. Make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle, are free of snow or frost before getting onto the road. HINT! Visit our info booths to pick up your free ice scrapper donated by ICBC!

• Get your car serviced to ensure electrical systems, brakes, tires, exhaust systems, heating and cooling systems, and windshield wipers are in working order. Check tire pressure regularly HINT! If you’re stuck on the road, call Jack’s Towing!