As a popular tourism destination, Kelowna can get a little busy in the summer months, and the roads are no exception.
With out-of-towners exploring unfamiliar territory, bikers and pedestrians enjoying the great weather and awesome Okanagan road trips just waiting to be taken, this is a good time of year for a road safety refresher. Here are some ways that Kelowna drivers can help keep themselves and others safe on the roads this summer.
Know the rules of the road
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that guessing isn’t exactly a great option when driving a 4,000 lb chunk of metal in a populated area at a high speed. It’s important to be confident in the rules of the road, and there’s no shame in needing a road-rule refresher now and then, especially as our city’s infrastructure and streets change.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Do you know how to properly signal in a roundabout? How about what to do at a flashing red light? If you find yourself wondering, check ICBC’s online Learn to Drive Smart guide for the correct answer. These rules exist for a reason, and they only work properly if we all follow them.
P.S. Just signal ‘right’ when exiting a roundabout. You’re welcome!
Be aware of others
What better way to enjoy the sunshine than with a nice stroll or bike ride? Kelowna drivers should expect to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the summer months.
Always be on alert for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks and intersections. Even if a crosswalk has pedestrian-controlled lights and they aren’t red or flashing, it’s still important to slow down and check that no one is entering the crosswalk.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers do, but they are of course much more vulnerable than someone in a vehicle. Watch out for people riding bicycles, and always shoulder-check when turning corners. You don’t want to be that car that cuts off a poor cyclist because you weren’t paying attention.
You can learn more about sharing the road here.
Prep for road trips
If you have a summer bucket list, chances are that taking a road trip is on it. Whether you’re heading to Vancouver for the weekend, to Osoyoos for the day or to Enderby for an evening show at the drive-in, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is as ready to go as you are.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Check your fluids including your oil, coolant, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Make sure your lights are nice and bright, your tires aren’t too worn or deflated and your air filter isn’t in need of replacing. If you haven’t had your vehicle serviced in awhile, now is the time.
Pack an emergency kit, including a spare tire, jumper cables and tools you may need for an emergency roadside repair. Now, roll down the windows, crank the tunes and hit the road!
Use your vehicle’s safety features
It seems like they’ve thought of everything when it comes to vehicles these days. Cameras, alerts, laser sensors – what a time to be alive!
No matter how careful we are, it’s still surprisingly easy to make mistakes on the road. This capacity for human error is being taken into consideration in the design of newer vehicles, which now often include special automated safety features.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Mitsubishi’s new Outlander PHEV, for example, offers several safety features including a Forward Collision Mitigation System which uses cameras and laser radar to prevent collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles, a 360-degree bird’s eye view camera for better visibility when parking, and Super All-Wheel-Control which ensures secure handling no matter the weather or road condition.
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, has Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning features, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert which detects vehicles approaching from the side while backing up.
Photo Credit: Contributed
If your vehicle has special safety features, put them to use! If not, considering purchasing a vehicle with safety features when you’re ready for an upgrade. Contact or visit Valley Mitsubishi if you’d like to learn more about how their vehicles’ automated safety features.
Do you have any tips for how to stay safe on the road in the summer? Let us know!
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