Safe Driving

For the increased safety of all on campus, we ask that you remember the following:

• Put your devices away while driving on campus, or anywhere! Distracted driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle collisions.
• The speed limit on campus is a maximum of 40 KM/H
• Come to a full and complete stop at all stop signs.
• There are many blind intersections and pedestrian crosswalks on campus.
• Pedestrians on campus have the right of way at all crosswalks.
• Wear your seat belts! Seat belts are less restrictive than a wheel chair.
• Don't drink and Drive! Have a designated driver or use public transportation.
• Do not park in non-designated areas. This will only impede traffic flow and increase the risk of an accident on campus.
• Maintain your vehicle properly. This includes all light systems, braking system, tires and of course, ensuring that your registration is valid.
• Collision reporting - know what is expected of you if you are involved in a  collision.

Don't Forget to keep safe

• Do not park in isolated, dark places if these areas can be avoided. Park where there are people about and where the parking area is lit by street lights.
• While riding in your vehicle be aware of your surroundings at night. When approaching an intersection, leave one or two vehicle lengths distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This creates an escape route should the need arise.

During winter, drivers are reminded to use caution, reduce speed and remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes. Drivers must share the roads with snow storage, traffic and parking. When snow is graded, it pushes into ridges, called windrows, and may be stored along the curbs or the center of the roadway.

• Take a few extra minutes to reach your destination.
• Make sure your view is not obstructed by snow and ice on your windows.
• Tune in to your favorite radio station for the latest weather conditions and up-to-date information on driving conditions.

Distracted driving takes you away from the primary task of driving. Driving requires your full attention at all times. Below are some alarming statistics.

• Cell phones are one of the most common distractions for drivers. Drivers engaged in text messaging on a cellular phone are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near crash event compared with non-distracted drivers. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 2010)
• 84% of distracted-driving-related fatalities in the US were tied to the general classification of carelessness or inattentiveness (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2009)
• 80% of collisions and 65% of near crashes have some form of driver inattention as contributing factors (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010)
• Distracted drivers are 3 times more likely to be in a crash than attentive drivers (Alberta Transportation, 2011)
• Driver distraction is a factor in about 4 million motor vehicle crashes in North America each year
• Children are four times more distracting than adults as passengers, and infants are eight times more distracting than adults as passengers
• Economic losses caused by traffic collision-related health care costs and lost productivity are at least $10 billion annually. That's about 1% of Canada's GDP! (Government of Canada)
• In 2010, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 104 collision fatalities in British Columbia (RCMP)
• International research shows that 20% to 30% of all collisions involve driver distraction(Alberta Transportation, 2011)

 Learn more about driving in Canada.

• Stop for all pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk – it's the law.
• Ensure proper visibility of your vehicle. Make sure your windshield and headlights are clean and don't obstruct your view.
• Drive at a safe speed and be aware of pedestrian activity around you.
• Never pass a vehicle at a crosswalk or any roadway on Campus.
• Wait until the pedestrian has completely cleared the intersection before proceeding.
• Make eye contact.
• When turning left at an intersection, check to your left to make sure there are no pedestrians. 

Drinking and driving puts people's lives and property at risk. Call 306-966-5555 anytime a person's health, safety or property is at immediate risk, including any crimes in progress such as impaired driving. 

• Obey speed limits in construction zones. Sometimes hazards are not visible to the motorist, but still pose a threat.
• Obey all rules and signs even when people and equipment are not working – these are there for your safety and there may be danger present!
• Cooperate with other drivers to keep traffic moving smoothly. When traffic needs to merge because of a lane closure, ease into the driving lane early and leave gaps for other vehicles to merge.

When you encounter road construction, slow down for everyone's protection and obey the signs and the flag person’s instructions. 

When approach by an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing or sirens engaged, you must immediately drive as closely as possible to the right edge of the roadway and not enter the next intersection until the emergency vehicle has passed. The only exception is if a peace officer gives you other directions. On one-way streets, pull right or left to the nearest curb.

Many of the injuries and deaths to children in vehicle collisions are preventable.

Protective Services has trained Child Restraint System Technicians available to help you ensure your child is as safe as possible while riding with you in your vehicle. 

Our technicians are available to help:

• Give caregivers education to properly use and install their car seats.
• Provide information to parents.
• Provide information within your community.

For more information, contact Protective Services