Courtesy of SHOTPRIME STUDIO (adobestock.com).

Whether you’re an everyday driver, an avid cyclist or a combination of both, you're likely interested in keeping the streets as safe as possible for yourself and those around you.

While there are many causes for unsafe driving, speeding is one of them. Winnipeg, Toronto and other cities across the country are considering lowering residential speed limits to make streets safer for pedestrians, children, cyclists and the public as a whole.

Regardless of the proposed changes to traffic legislation, there are small adjustments to everyday driving habits that anyone can implement to help make a meaningful impact on road safety.

What is Safe Driving?

Read on for some pointers to keep in mind next time you’re behind the wheel — or handlebars.

Maintain your space

One of the easiest ways to minimize risk is to leave plenty of room between your bike or vehicle and those around you. Maintaining this space on the road allows you to see and be seen more easily. It also provides more time and space for drivers and cyclists to react and avoid a potential collision.

A good rule of thumb is to maintain approximately a two- to three-second gap between you and the vehicle or bike in front of you. A simple way to measure your distance: watch the vehicle in front of you pass a fixed landmark ahead, such as a sign or pole, then see if you can slowly count to three before reaching the same landmark. Don’t forget to leave a minimum of one metre between yourself and cyclists when passing.

Courtesy of oopoontongoo (adobestock.com).

Use turn signals

In most provinces, activating your turn signal, or hand signalling on a bicycle, is required anytime you turn, change lanes or pull over onto the shoulder. Besides being the law, using signal lights or hand signals communicates intention, indicates the direction you’re moving in and mitigates incidents. In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation recommends signalling approximately 30 metres (or three seconds) before a turn or lane change.

Stay alert

Roadways are shared spaces, so being vigilant and paying close attention to your surroundings are key to safe driving and cycling. Avoid distractions and always watch for pedestrians at crosswalks and for cyclists travelling alongside motor vehicles. Whenever possible, you should strive to make eye contact with others on the road to ensure visibility before changing lanes, making a turn or crossing the street.

When exiting a vehicle, use the Dutch Reach by opening the door with the hand furthest from the latch, which encourages you to turn and check your blind spot for approaching cyclists before opening the door.

Slow Down, Move Over

Did you know that across North America, many tow truck drivers are struck and killed annually by oncoming traffic while performing roadside service? While Slow Down, Move Over laws vary slightly by province, generally speaking, when an emergency vehicle or a tow truck is stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights, drivers, motorcycle riders and cyclists are required to slow down and to change lanes when safe to do so.

By looking out for one another and making thoughtful choices every time we travel, we can all help create safer roads for our families, neighbours and everyone who shares the journey.

Drive safely. Click here to learn more about CAA’s advocacy for Slow Down, Move Over laws and how we’re working to help protect roadside workers every time they’re on the job.