The Victoria Day long weekend is finally here – and for a lot of us, it feels like the real start of summer.
As usual, the highways will be busy with people heading out for cottage getaways, road trips, or just a change of scenery.
Whether you’re planning to travel or relaxing at home, here are a few tips to help you have a safe and fun Victoria Day weekend.
On the road:
Don’t drive distracted and always share the road. Distracted driving can potentially be as dangerous as impaired driving and is much more common. Keep distractions to a minimum. Also, be cautious of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians – there will be more of each out there now that the weather is nicer. Remember, always yield to vulnerable road users, even if they don’t have the right-of-way.
Tow or haul safely. Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job. Check your owner’s manual or contact your vehicle dealer. Ensure that your rear-view mirrors give a clear view of the road.
Drive sober or have a designated driver. Tragically, serious collisions involving drugs and alcohol are all too common during holiday weekends. This should be a no-brainer but needs to be said: never even consider driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Also keep in mind that boating while impaired has the same impact on your driving record and insurance as driving a car under the influence.
At home:
Update or create your home inventory. Having an updated home inventory list helps ensure you have the appropriate level of contents coverage in your home insurance policy and will come in handy in the unfortunate event of a claim. Take photographs of your valuables and keep receipts in a safe place.
Change the batteries in your CO and smoke alarms. Even if they aren’t dead, using a defined date, like the Victoria Day weekend, to change them will help you keep track of when they were last replaced.
Be wary of water. With warmer weather comes the potential for flooding (re: spring thaw and spring showers). Help safeguard your property by clearing your eavestroughs and directing your downspouts away from your home; moving valuables out of your basement; and maintaining proper grading around your home. (These are just a few tips to help protect against water damage, review the rest on our spring season page.)
Create an emergency plan and kit. When disaster strikes, does your family know what to do and where to go? Practice a plan with the whole team this weekend. For the emergency kit, ensure you have the essentials (like water and food), first-aid supplies, cash, flashlight and batteries, chargers and any necessary prescription medications. For more, check out our emergency preparedness page.
Know your policy. Take the time now to review your policies and ensure they fit your needs. If you have questions, contact your insurance rep. They’re on your side and are happy to help.
Extremely important final tip: Know your liquor liability as a social host. If you’re a homeowner or tenant hosting a party, you may be held responsible for your guests' actions – even after they leave – if you serve them alcohol or cannabis. Review these 5 tips to help keep you and your guests safe.
Wishing you a great Victoria Day weekend! If you're celebrating, stay safe and take care.
