What Every Driver on the Road Should Know

Professional advice to keep in mind whether you’re a veteran driver or have just gotten your licence

Posted: February 07, 2018 11:11 AM ET

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Drivers take millions of trips on Ontario’s highways every year, and most of those are without incident. Safe driving, however, is a skill we all need to practise to ensure everyone stays safe on the road.

407 ETR puts an extremely high value on safety and promotes responsible driving by sponsoring driver training and road safety programs for young drivers. We spoke to two experts who run programs that are sponsored by 407 ETR: Bob Annan of Accident Awareness Inc. and Anne Marie Hayes of Teens Learn to Drive Inc. Both organizations have taught thousands of young people and their families how to drive safely.

Here’s some of their best advice:

Stay alert and leave enough room

Annan notes that when a vehicle is travelling 100 km/h, it is moving at 27 metres per second. Since it takes 1.5 seconds for a driver to react to something in front of them, 41 metres will pass before you can respond—something to keep top of mind.

“Remember that when you are driving, that is your only job,” says Annan. “Any distraction—whether it be the phone, eating, adjusting things in the car, etc., can cause real problems when the driver has to react quickly.”

Hayes underscores the importance of being mindful while driving and advises focusing solely on the road ahead of you.

Wear your seat belt

It’s critical for all drivers and passengers to use their seat belts according to the instructions provided by the car manufacturer. “Even with all we have done to remind everyone, some drivers and their passengers still need to be reminded to buckle up,” says Annan. “It’s the law and it can help save your life in a collision.”

Similarly, Hayes reminds all new drivers passing through her program that “wearing a seat belt can mean the difference between a regrettable collision and a critical incident.”

Always use child safety seats

In the past, 407 ETR has run child safety seat inspection and installation clinics with partners. Our experts reminded us that securing children and infants in their seats properly is as important as making sure the infant/child safety seat you use is installed according to both the seat manufacturer’s and car maker’s instructions.

Also, parents should regularly adjust the belts and the positioning of the child in the seat as they grow. Advises Hayes: “Take your time when installing a child/infant seat into the car, and take the time to read the instructions and seek the assistance of a professional whenever needed.”

Make driver education a priority

Both Annan and Hayes agree there’s no replacement for ongoing practice and education for drivers of all experience levels. New drivers can benefit from both a formal course and hours of practice with a trusted, good driver. Experienced drivers need to maintain their skills and should practise important driving maneuvers to ensure they can react quickly when needed.

Want to learn more about 407 ETR?

Each workday, over 400,000 trips take place on Highway 407 ETR, moving more than 500,000 people. Since 1999, 407 ETR has invested over $1.6 billion to extend the highway both east and west, and has added over 240 lane kilometres to ensure toll-highway drivers make their trip safely and efficiently.

To learn more about the 407 ETR’s initiatives, visit 407etr.com. Drivers surveyed continue to report saving time and money using 407 ETR—saving between 20 and 60 minutes per trip!

Follow @407_ETR on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Right now, when you tell 407 ETR why you enjoy driving on the highway, you will be entered for a chance to win a year of free travel on 407 ETR.