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5 tips to help everyone stay safe on the road

There’s nothing like a road trip in beautiful BC, but there’s also nothing more important than arriving safely at your location to allow you to fully enjoy your day trip or weekend away.

Here’s five really important tips to keep at the top of your mind once your vehicle is packed and you’re ready to go.

1. Watch your speed 

Be aware of speed limits and check how fast you’re travelling. Watch out for speed limit changes. When approaching roadside workers or driving through construction zones, slow down and move over and follow the construction zone speed limits. For school zones, the 30 km/h speed limit between 8am and 5pm on school days, unless otherwise posted, must be followed.

Also, keep an eye out for BCAA’s Slow Down Kids Playing Signs indicating there may be children out and about. You can request a FREE BCAA Slow Down Kids Playing Sign to put on your lawn at bcaa.com/communitysafety. Plus, we've put together tips for parents on how to protect kids while at play.

slow down kids playing sign in neighbourhood

2. Don't get distracted

When you’re driving, put the phone away and leave the coffee in the cupholder. Whether it’s a kid darting out, cyclists on the road or pedestrians crossing the street, be prepared for the unexpected and use the basics like shoulder checks before changing lanes. And remember, handling any electronic device while driving is against the law.

Planning ahead is key to avoiding distractions. Make sure you know your route. Check ahead for road closures, construction or restrictions on DriveBC.ca, and download maps if you’re travelling to places without service. If you’re on a long drive, take breaks and share driving duties if you can. It’ll help you prevent fatigue and keep you alert. Learn more about distracted driving here.


cars on road keeping a safe distance

3. Leave a safe following distance

Leave a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. At least two seconds in optimum conditions, three seconds on high-speed roads and four seconds in bad weather. That way you have enough time to brake if necessary.   

4. Be courteous

Don’t leave other motorists guessing your next move: always signal before making all turns, including in parking lots. Yield at marked crosswalks and make eye contact with people walking and riding a bike, so they know you’ve seen them. Follow the rules at a four-way stop, which also applies to intersections where the stoplight isn’t working. Stay in the right lane unless passing, especially if you’re towing a trailer or driving an RV, and give a wave to show appreciation to a gracious fellow driver.    

Remember to practice patience. Rather than laying on the horn to express frustration at someone on the road, take a deep breath and count to three. Cooler heads always prevail and reacting calmly can help avoid aggravation.

5. Carry an emergency kit

In case of the unexpected, make sure you’re carrying an emergency kit. Include essential items like:

  • Sunscreen
  • Extra sunglasses
  • High-visibility vests or ponchos
  • Flashlight
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Emergency food and water
  • Mobile phone battery back-up power source
  • Blanket
  • In winter, additional warm clothes for everyone

BCAA Members can save 20% on select vehicle emergency kits at our Rewards Partner, F.A.S.T. (First Aid & Survival Technologies Limited). 

Together, BC is Ours to Protect

At BCAA, we believe in the power of community and that, together, BC is Ours to Protect. So, before your next drive, be sure to keep these tips top of mind and let’s all work together to keep our roads as safe as possible.

Find out more about our commitment to protecting the people and province of BC here.