Safe Driving Tips for Alberta Drivers

Alberta Safe Driving Tips

Safe driving practices benefit everyone. If we all obeyed traffic laws, and refrained from taking any unnecessary risks, the road would be a much safer, more enjoyable place.

Beware of Wildlife on Alberta Roads

It may sound comical in other parts of the world, but encountering wildlife on the road in Canada is no laughing matter. Deer, Caribou, Moose –they are all normally docile creatures, but they don't understand the rules and etiquette of the road. If you came upon one in the middle of the road, the animal may not think to jump out of the way. In addition to the damage inflicted upon the hapless creature, a large animal can do some significant damage to your car, or even your person. The moose in particular is a dangerous animal to hit, because it has long legs and a heavy body. If a normal sized car strikes a moose head-on, the moose's legs will break, and the 600-lb. body will come crashing into the windshield. Accidents like this one are frequently lethal –both for the moose, and the driver. In Canada, there are an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 moose alone.

With that in mind, here are some tips for minimizing the chances of a wildlife collision:

• Constantly scan the road in front of you, particularly at dawn or dusk –this is when most animals come out to feed.
• Slow down when the road curves, or when a hill crests, or any other time visibility is impaired.
• Watch for the shining reflection of an animal's eyes at night.
• Keep your headlights and windshield clean at all times, as they can greatly hinder visibility
• Most animals travel in groups, so if you avoid one, another may be close behind.
• Refrain from throwing food or food wrappers out of your car. It's littering, and it can attract animals to the roadside where other cars could strike them.

Sharing the Road Safely with Big Trucks

Driving alongside a big truck can be intimidating, even nerve-wracking. The big complaints among motorists are that trucks hog the road, or that they drive too fast, or they tend to tailgate. But according to truckers, car drivers are just as inconsiderate, treating the road as their own personal playground. This causes friction out on the road, but it's important to remember: nobody wants an accident. Everyone wants to arrive safely at their destination.

If You're Driving A Car

• Make sure you're always visible: If you can't see a truck's mirrors, then he can't see you.
• Indicate early: If you are in front of a truck, try to indicate your turn signals much earlier than you usually do. Trucks require a lot more stopping distance than smaller cars.

If You're in a Commercial Truck

It's important to remember that, while most commercial truck drivers also know how to drive a car, the same is not true for the average motorist. In fact, many car drivers have never even set foot inside an 18-wheeler. Because of this, most motorists can't possibly understand the constraints a commercial driver must face, so it becomes the commercial driver's responsibility to anticipate this and act accordingly.

If You're Driving a Recreational Vehicle (RV)

Of course, RVs can be a dangerous marriage of the two above: A driver normally accustomed to a smaller vehicle, getting behind the wheel of a much larger machine. The best way to combat this is through lots and lots of practice. RV drivers must always be aware of the size of their vehicle, the turning radius, the sightlines, and the blind spots. Taking a class is a great way to learn the differences when you're driving a larger vehicle and a good idea if you're planning an RV trip.

The secret to being a good driver is "courtesy." Allow people to pass you when they want, avoid aggressive driving practices, and leave plenty of distance, and the road can be a safe place for everyone.