Common sense key to long weekend safety
Posted May 18, 2012 8:01 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Everyone is gearing up for the unofficial start of summer.
660News weather specialist John Wilson says once we get through some rough spots Friday, including a little snow in some areas, the weather shouldn’t be too bad for May long weekend.
“As high pressure builds from the southwest, the sky will clear,” says Wilson.
Despite the rain, there’s still a fire ban over most of the province.
For everyone using the first relatively warm long weekend of the year to get out and enjoy some activities, they’re likely to notice a high police presence.
For those driving this holiday weekend, Duty Insp. Darren Cave says it’s important to be patient, and give the car ahead of you a lot of space in case you need time to react.
“The volume, especially on Highway 1 and Highway 2, will be tremendous, so keep your speed down and give yourself lots of time to get to your destination,” says Duty Insp. Cave.
If you’re using a GPS to get to where you’re going, remember to program it before you leave; the AMA says 80 per cent of accidents happen while drivers are distracted.
A note from RCMP for those getting out on the water: make sure there are enough life jackets onboard, and the driver is sober with a proper boating license.
If you’re hitting the backroads on an ATV, wear face and eye protection and a helmet.
Most people who die in ATV crashes suffer a head injury, according to Edmonton surgeon and trauma researcher Dr. Sandy Widder.
