2011 Be Smart. Be Safe. Tour - Atlantic Canada

“It’s fun – and I learned something.”, “I loved the “D.U.M.B car” – and the message is really important.”, “Thanks for coming to the Festival, you were a hit!”

Such comments are heard often as Insurance Bureau of Canada’s award-winning community outreach program,  the Be Smart, Be Safe Tour travels to festivals, fairs and special events across Atlantic Canada from June to September. The Be Smart, Be Safe Tour presents entertaining and interactive displays that promote safety, injury prevention and emergency preparedness.

The tour’s centerpiece focuses on the serious problem of distracted driving. The driving simulator known as the “D.U.M.B. car” (an acronym for “Distractions Undermining Motorist Behaviour”), literally puts visitors in the driver’s seat – a full-size cockpit with steering wheel, accelerator and brakes – to negotiate video screens which simulate real road conditions. Distractions such as texting, cups of coffee, to MP3 players are introduced to challenge the driver’s concentration. The results are always “educational”.

Other interactive displays include “The Dry House”, a hands-on game to remind visitors of ways to prevent water damage in their homes.
The interactive “Survivor 72” game answers the question “what items would you need to get you through 72 hours if a disaster struck?”.
The “Safe Home Now” tent shows kids how to avoid hazards in the home. And a visit to the Rainbarrel display shows us that an old-fashioned idea has real value to homes and communities when severe weather strikes.

Manning the displays are four Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) Student Ambassadors. Paul Basek, Miles Connely, Amber Houde and Nicola Starrat all completing studies in the Atlantic Region.

Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national trade association representing Canada’s home, car and business insurers.

The Be Smart, Be Safe Tour will visit all four Atlantic Provinces between June and September.

Check below for details about the tour.

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