Category Archives: Collision

KEEPING YOU AND YOUR VEHICLE SAFE THIS WINTER

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No matter how many times we do it, driving in wintery conditions never gets easier or less frustrating. Driving in snow can be risky and you must always be prepared for the unexpected. When bad weather does strike, we recommend staying off the roads if possible. 

Did you know that snow and ice are more slippery at 0 C than at -20 C or below? It’s a common misconception that the colder the temperature the worse the roads – be aware this isn’t the case.  Even at 4 C there can be black ice on the roads. Always keep a safe distance between yourself and another vehicle as sudden braking can cause skidding.

Few things are more annoying than when you need to get somewhere and you find your car buried in snow.  Although it is tempting to quickly clear your windows and go, it can be dangerous for both you and those driving around you.  See and be seen – make sure that you properly remove all snow and ice from your hood, windows, lights, roof as well as the rear part of your vehicle.  It is also a good idea to take the brush and clear any snow or ice between your wheels and under your bumper.

Transport Canada has put together a highly informative booklet on Winter Driving Safety Tips.   This book is free and highly useful.  It can be viewed online or printed off to keep in your glove compartment.

Some tips in the booklet include:

  • Preventing problems before they occur
  • Getting your vehicle winter ready
  • How to prepare for driving in poor weather
  • Avoiding collisions

To view or download a copy please visit Transport Canada http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-safetyfeatures-winterdriving-index-693.htm

If you are interested in purchasing winter tires for your vehicle or would like to make sure your car is ready for winter, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Transport Canada

Distracted Driving: How you can prevent it!

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We all know that distracted driving is dangerous, but are we aware how dangerous it truly is?  Ontarians have now had a couple years to get used to the “new” law, banning hand held devices while driving, yet we continually see people texting, using their mp3 players, GPS units and the like.  The law, which was put in place on October 26, 2009, makes it illegal for drivers to talk, dial, email or text using hand held devices.  Additionally, it prohibits drivers from viewing display screens that are not related to operation of the vehicle.

Do you know your crash odds?
People texting while driving are 23 times more likely.
People talking on a cell while driving are 4 to 5 times more likely.
People who read while driving are 3 times more likely.
Individuals applying makeup while operating a vehicle are 3 times more likely.
Individuals reaching for a moving object while driving makes you 9 times more likely.
Dialing on a mobile device makes you 3 times more likely.

What is alarming given these statistics is how many people don’t take this offence seriously.  According to a study completed at the University of Utah, distraction caused by cell phones or mobile devices delay someone’s reaction time the same as an individual driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08.  Furthermore, driver distraction is a factor in about 4 million motor vehicle accidents in North America each year.

In recent years we have seen a great improvement with in vehicle technology. Most new vehicles are now equipped with devices such as; Bluetooth, OnStar and HondaLink.  These are all programs that can help drivers embrace the new distracted driving laws. There are also new smartphone applications that have been made available to drivers.  One such app is called “Text Ya Later,” (Android only) which allows you to create a message letting others know that you are driving and will text them later.  This message can be set so that it is automatically delivered when activated.  Another application, more suited to parents, is “Mobile Tattletale”. (For a list of supported devices, click here)  When installed on a mobile device and the driver is moving, Tattletale will generate a warning message to the parent’s phone, giving them the ability to temporarily disable their child’s mobile device until the vehicle has come to a stop.  Keep in mind that while these new technologies are helpful, for your safety and those around you, it is best to keep your eyes on the road and save the distractions for later.

If you are interested in purchasing a new vehicle or would like more information on OnStar or HondaLink, please visit us at www.imagehonda.com and www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit:

CAA http://distracteddriving.caa.ca/education/index.php
MTO http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/index
Ontario Provincial Police http://www.opp.ca/ecms/index.php?id=545
go.drive www.godrivemag.com
http://mobiletattletale.com/supported-devices

What To Do If You’re In A Collision?

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It’s something none of us care to think about, but something all of us need to be prepared for – a collision.  When this occurs, we experience a flood of emotions and it’s often difficult to think rationally.  That is why it is important that you know exactly what to do in such a circumstance so that you, your vehicle and those involved are properly protected.  First and foremost, you want to ensure that everyone involved is safe and unharmed.  If someone is hurt or you believe the other driver may be guilty of an offence make sure to call the police immediately.  If everyone safe, there are a series of steps you need to take.

  • If you are able to safely move your vehicle, move it to the side of the road or away from oncoming traffic.  If you are unable to, insure that you turn on your hazard lights and place hazard cones around your vehicle if you have them.
  • Always make sure you get the details of the accident!
  1. The make and model of other vehicle
  2. Drivers name, address, telephone number and license
  3. Date and time of accident
  4. Location
  5. How it happened
  6. Are there witnesses?  If so, get there contact information as well.
  7. Make sure to get the insurance information of all the drivers involved.

It should be noted that the Insurance Bureau of Canada provides several resources to help you in case of a collision.  They have developed an accident report form, as well as tips and quizzes on distracted driving.  These are available at http://http://www.ibc.ca/

If you are faced with damages from a collision – Image Honda, Queenston on the Mountain and Queenston on Centennial’s collision centre would be happy to service your needs.  Please contact us at 1-888-440-8577 or visit our websites at http://www.imagehonda.com/ or www.queenstonchev.com

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Insurance Bureau of Canada http://www.ibc.ca/en/Car_Insurance/What _to_do_Accident.asp