Just some things that you need to know

Pedestrians: habits to improve

Accident reports suggest that pedestrians who were injured or killed on the road network either did not comply with road signs and traffic signals, crossed the street from between two parked cars or were walking with the flow of traffic on the side of the road. It has also been shown that the consequences of accidents for senior pedestrians are often serious or fatal because of their greater physiological vulnerability to impact and injury.

Here are some reminders about the main road safety rules that pedestrians should obey:

• Always cross at intersections or other authorized places (where there are appropriate signs, signals and pavement markings);
• Obey traffic lights or any pedestrian lights at intersections;
• Look left and right before crossing the street;
• Use the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic;
• To be seen at night or when it's dark, wear light-coloured garments. Darkness is a pedestrian's enemy – in fact, fall is the time when the highest number of pedestrian deaths occur.

Remember that motorists may have trouble seeing pedestrians because they are blinded by sunlight or the headlights of an oncoming vehicle.

Riding your bike safely

Riding a bike is an excellent way to keep in shape.

Seniors seem to have gotten the message – there has been a sharp increase in the number of cycling enthusiasts.

Bicycle safety starts with obeying the Highway Safety Code and by adopting defensive cycling behaviour. Paying attention to the road environment, ensuring that you can see and be seen by others, anticipating potential danger – all of these elements are very important!

In particular, the Highway Safety Code requires cyclists to:

• obey road signs and traffic signals;
• travel with the flow of traffic and on the far right-hand side of the road;
• signal their intentions using appropriate hand signals;
• ride in a single file when in a group;
• use bicycle paths or lanes when they are available;
• equip their bicycles with mandatory lights and reflectors.

However, the Code prohibits cyclists from:

• riding on the sidewalk;
• wearing headphones when riding.

Hand signals

Turning left

Stopping or slowing down

Turning right

Wearing a helmet

Cyclists often sustain head injuries when they fall, which is why wearing a helmet is so important.

Helmets are now at a reasonable price.

Use one that is approved by one of the following organizations: CSA, CPSC, ASTM, CEN or SNELL. A helmet with one of these logos is guaranteed to be sturdy and of good quality.

It's not enough just to wear a helmet – for helmets to be effective, they have to be properly adjusted.

Note that helmets are mandatory when riding an electric bicycle.

For both comfort and safety, bicycles should be adjusted for their riders

• To check the height, you should stand astride the bicycle above the crossbar with both feet flat on the ground. There should be a clearance of at least 2 cm (0.5 in) between the crotch and crossbar.
• The seat should be parallel to the ground. To adjust it correctly, your leg should be completely extended with the heel on the pedal at its lowest point.
• Handlebars set at the same level as the seat or slightly lower improve performance when riding into the wind, while handlebars set higher make for greater comfort and safety.

Be extra careful when you are not using bicycle lanes or paths

Watch out for:

• vehicles turning right at a red light;
• car doors that may open suddenly;
• vehicles coming out of driveways;
• spaces between parked vehicles;
• city and school buses (frequent stops and starts).

Protect your life – use some restraint

Some drivers underestimate the value of the various safety mechanisms that are standard equipment on cars. Used properly, seat belts, headrests and air bags can save your life.

Wearing a seat belt is now the norm for most Quebecers. Indeed, buckling up has become a reflex for most people. Also, using a seat belt in combination with air bags decreases the chances of serious head injuries by 75% in the event of a collision.

In addition, properly adjusted headrests can reduce the risk of whiplash by more than 25%.

It is also important to properly secure all objects in the car, since anything that is not tied down inside the passenger compartment can turn into a projectile that could strike passengers during a collision.

If there is an animal in the car, be sure that it doesn't obstruct the driver's vision or interfere with driving. An unsecured animal can also become a projectile.

Lastly, a tip: to reduce the risk of injuries due to air bags, keep a distance of at least 25 cm (10 inches) between the air bag cover and yourself.

Planning ahead reduces the risk of accidents

As we get older, our visual, mental and motor abilities tend to decrease, thus increasing our accident risk, but there are other practical preventive measures to greatly reduce that risk.

Here are a few tips:

• Don't travel during rush hour;
• Avoid busy streets;
• Avoid driving at night and in bad weather;
• Choose when you are going to drive;
• Plan long trips and make sure there are rest periods;
• Regularly check your vehicle's mechanical condition.

These precautions are easy to take, and they can help you keep your driver's licence for as long as possible.

Lastly, two additional measures are very important:

• Do all you can to keep in good mental and physical shape;
• Have regular medical check-ups.

Identify any problems in relation to the road environment

• Understanding road signs and traffic signals
• Driving in heavy traffic
• Driving in rain or snow
• Driving at night

Estimate your weekly kilometrage

• From 1 to 50 km
• More than 50 km