The Family Day holiday on Monday, February 17th leads into a week-long school break that offers families time to relax, rejuvenate and rewind. Some families may be planning a road trip and others may stay at home to enjoy some indoor and outdoor activities. Whatever your February family plans are, here are some safety reminders to keep in mind.

Road Trip Safety Checklist

• Check weather and road conditions before travelling. Be prepared to delay plans if conditions aren’t optimum.
• Check your vehicle’s battery, brakes and fluids. Colder temperatures can weaken the battery and cause it to fail.
• Plan your route in advance. Use primary roads and highways which are regularly maintained.
• Allow extra time for travel and let others know your route and estimated time of arrival.
• Pack a roadside vehicle kit that contains non-perishable food, water, blankets, extra outdoor gear and footwear, flashlight, first aid supplies, booster cables, and a shovel. CAA Roadside Assistance Kits are available at your local CAA Saskatchewan Store.
• All seat belts should be in working order and worn. Children must be seated in correctly installed car seats or booster seats.
• Eliminate distracted driving. Do not use mobile phones for calls, texting, emails, maps, etc., while driving.
• Adjust your driving speed to weather and road conditions and keep a half or full tank of fuel for added weight.
• Leave a safe distance between vehicles, use turn signals well in advance and allow extra room to stop.
• Avoid driving a phantom vehicle: See and Be Seen. For added visibility, ensure the vehicle headlights and taillights are turned on before dawn and at dusk, and during harsh weather conditions, i.e. snowstorms.
• Carry a fully charged mobile phone and a phone car charger should you need to call for help. CAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 for Members by calling 1-800-222-4357, request online, or download the CAA Mobile App.
• Important! Slow to 60 km/h on Saskatchewan highways for working tow truck operators assisting motorists in need. It’s the law and the safety of our tow truck operators and first responders is everyone’s concern.
• More safety tips can be found in the CAA Smart Driver’s Winter Survival Guide.

Staycation Safety Checklist

• Obey the posted speed limit and drive with caution in school zones, parks and playgrounds. Children may not be in school during the February break, but they may be playing in the school grounds, parks, and playgrounds.
• Properly prepare for cold weather outdoor activities. Toques, jackets, mittens, and boots are all important outdoor gear to wear.
• Dress in layers. Children lose body heat faster than adults, so dress them in warm layers. If they get too warm, simply remove one of the layers.
• Talk with your kids about pedestrian and traffic safety rules. Always stop, look both ways, listen and think before safely crossing the street.
• Children should never run out in traffic or between parked cars, buses or buildings, use cell phones for texting, phoning, or playing games while walking. Remember, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
• Make eye contact with the drivers before proceeding into the intersection.
• Walk on the sidewalk and cross at street corners with traffic lights or at a crosswalk.

The CAA Family Safety Booklet has more ideas on indoor and outdoor fun, plus some great safety tips. It’s available at all CAA Stores, the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot, or online.

If your February plans include air travel, talk with the trusted CAA Travel Consultants for flights, accommodations, and more. Did you know that Canadians’ top frustrations when it comes to air travel are being bumped from a flight (overbooking), lost baggage and flights being cancelled? Learn more about your rights at caask.ca/airtravellers.

For further information, contact:
Christine Niemczyk, Director of Communications | CAA Saskatchewan
306.791.4327 | christine.niemczyk@caask.ca | caask.ca 

CAA Saskatchewan serves approximately 181,000 Members, offering benefits and services through its non-profit motor club, and through its travel and insurance agencies, as well as the CAA Car Care Centre at Regina Battery Depot. CAA advocates for motorists, pedestrians and travellers, provides consumer education, supports traffic safety programs and addresses related public policy issues