Safe Driving

Make every drive a safe one—for you and everyone around you.

We care deeply about our students and, above all, your safety. That is why we launched our Annual Safe Driving Campaign.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Every vehicle should be equipped, especially for winter, with:

  • First aid kit

  • Emergency food and water

  • Spare warm clothing

  • Flares or matches, lighter, candles, flashlight

  • Shovel and traction mat, sand, or kitty litter (non-clumping)

  • Battery jumper cables

  • Properly fitting tire chains (if applicable)

  • Tow rope

  • Snowbrush

  • Ice scraper

  • Roll of paper towels

  • Blanket

  • Road maps

Distracted Driving

Even if you’re not using your phone, you may still be distracted. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, like chatting with passengers, eating or drinking, or adjusting radio or vehicle settings, can contribute to distracted driving.

    • No call, text, or email

    • Turn it to silent and keep it out of reach and out of sight

    • Assign a designated texter

    • Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need

    • Pullover to make or receive a call

    • Avoid looking at screens while driving 

    • Don’t use your cellphone at a red light

    • Keep your hands off, use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth or headphones that can be operated with one touch or voice commands.

    • If you have a Learner’s (L) or a Novice (N) License, you aren’t allowed to use any electronic devices behind the wheel, even if it’s in hands-free mode. 

Speed

Speeding is a significant contributing factor to car crash fatalities in BC. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop - and the more dangerous the collision can be. 

    • Driver risk premium: If you have one or more excessive speeding tickets, you pay a driver risk premium.

    • Fine: Ticket fines increase further for every speed limit you exceed.

    • Vehicle Impoundment: In addition to the violation ticket fine and driver risk premium, police can immediately impound your vehicle for seven days if you travel more than 40 km/hour over the speed limit.

    • Gas: Your fuel consumption increases when you increase your speed or when your speed varies too frequently. 

    • Allow at least two seconds’ following distance behind other vehicles in good weather and road conditions and at least three seconds’ on a highway.

    • Slow down for poor weather conditions or uneven roads and increase your following distance to at least four seconds. Remember that the distance required to stop increases in wet or slippery conditions. 

    • Don’t speed up when someone is trying to pass you. Slow down and make room to help the other driver get back into your lane.

    • Be realistic about your travel time and plan your trip. Increasing your speed does not meaningfully decrease travel time, so if you’re running late, accept the delay. 

Impaired Driving

If your activities involve alcohol or drugs, plan for a safe ride home as your ability to safely drive may be compromised. Arrange a designated driver, call a taxi, a friend, or a ride-hailing service, or take transit.

    • If you’ve been drinking at home, stay home and don’t drive. 

    • Research shows that driving within three hours of consuming cannabis doubles the risk of collision.

    • Cannabis impairs both the cognitive and motor abilities you use to operate a vehicle safely. 

    • Cannabis can also slow your reaction time, slow your ability to make decisions, and make it harder for you to split your attention. 

    • If you’re going to consume cannabis, the safe thing to do is to arrange alternative transportation. 

  • Other illicit and legal drugs, including prescribed or over-the-counter medication, may impact your ability to drive. If you take any medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist to understand how it may affect your driving ability. 

    • Hydroplaning happens when the tires lose contact with the road surface and float on a film of water. 

    • If you find yourself hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and keep steering in the direction you want to go. Avoid braking.

    • Temperatures can change quickly during the winter, causing unpredictable road conditions. Although the road may look the same, black ice can form unexpectedly and may not be visible. 

    • Black ice is commonly found on roads with shaded areas, bridges, overpasses, and intersections where car exhaust and packed snow freeze quickly. 

    • If you drive over black ice and start a skid, ease off the accelerator, and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. 

    • Don’t brake, this will make the situation worse. You may need to repeat this maneuver several times until you regain control. 

  • For all types of winter hazards, remember two key tips:

    • Reduce your speed

    • Increase your following distance 

    The more time you have to react to any hazard, the better.

    • What to do if you get in a collision

    • What to do if you witness a collision

    • If you’re exhausted while driving

    • Winter tires are a good option, providing greater traction under snowy or icy conditions.

    • Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car and possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight. Before getting onto the road, make sure that mirrors, all windows, and the top of your vehicle are free of snow or frost.

    • Get your car serviced to ensure electrical systems, brakes, tires, exhaust systems, heating and cooling systems, and windshield wipers are in working order. Check tire pressure regularly

How to Respond in Adverse Driving Conditions

Safe Driving Resources

UFV Resources

External Resources

Prepare

Tips

Car Accidents

General
Information

Pledges and
Campaigns

Volunteer: Join future safety events and peer education.

Feedback/Suggestions: Email us info@ufvsus.ca or attend an AGM to share ideas for the Safe Driving Campaign.

Request Info: Need resources in another language, or have accessibility needs? Contact us.

How You Can Get Involved

Partners