9 tips for a safe road trip this summer

It’s Canada’s 150th birthday! Planning to use your free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass? Here are some summer road trip tips.

1. Get your vehicle road ready. Perform regular maintenance like oil changes, tune ups, and battery and tire pressure checks. If you’re not sure what to do, have a qualified technician inspect your vehicle.

2. Focus on the road. Leave your mobile device alone when you’re behind the wheel. Check out our distracted driving campaign and share the message so we can all safely share the road.

3. Minimize road chat. Road trips can be a great time to catch up with others, but talking to passengers can be as distracting as using a cellphone. When you’re on driving duty, make sure your number-one priority is still the road.

4. Don’t eat on the go. While the drive-thru may be convenient, multitasking behind the wheel takes your attention off the road.

5. Take regular breaks on long drives and limit night-time driving. Fatigue and decreased visibility can make it harder to drive safely and respond quickly to sudden changes.

6. Watch for children. With school out for the summer, it’s more important than ever to watch for kids playing on the street and riding bicycles.

7. Check for fire bans in the area you’re heading to and keep an eye on the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.

8. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Especially before you head out on a road trip, prepare for the unexpected by keeping these items on board:

   • Cellphone and car charger
   • First aid kit
   • Flashlight
   • Flares
   • Jumper cables
   • Candles and matches
   • Non-perishable food items, such as granola bars
   • Water
   • Blankets



9. Renting a car? Save money for you trip. Check your auto insurance policy and/or credit card to see if you already have coverage for rental cars.