Road safety

According to the Société de l’Assurance automobile de Québec (SAAQ), young drivers aged 16 to 24 are overrepresented in motor vehicle collisions. Although they constituted only 10% of driver's licence holders, they were involved in 21% of motor vehicle collisions resulting in bodily injury in 2013. The main causes are inexperience and recklessness.

In 2008, the SAAQ banned the use of hand-held cell phone while driving, as well as introduced measures to deter excessive speeding, impaired driving and to improve safety when driving a moped or motorized scooter .  

To print the complete Road Safety brochure (pdf), click here.
Motorist safety

Motorist safety

  • Everyone must wear his/her own seatbelt. 
  • Children under the age of 13 should not sit in the front seat because they can be seriously injured if the airbag deploys.
  • Respect traffic lights, stop signs and do not exceed the speed limit.
  • Slow down in school zones, near parks, and in residential areas.
  • Use extra caution when driving in bad weather.
  • Always be extra careful when driving past parked cars; children can suddenly run out between the cars.
  • Never leave your child alone in a car: In the summer, the temperature in your car can rise quickly causing heat exhaustion and even death.
  • Never leave a child in a car while the motor is running: In the winter, the exhaust pipe can become blocked by snow, and the idling can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Bring your vehicle to a full stop when a school bus’ lights are flashing and the stop sign is displayed. Not doing so is a serious offence resulting in a fine and demerit points.
  • Having a cellular phone on hand is recommended for emergency situations. Do not use your cellular phone while driving. 
  • It is a good idea to have a car safety kit, including adhesive bandages, water, a non-perishable snack, a flashlight and a blanket.
  • Be patient with pedestrians crossing the street.
  • Never drink and drive!
CBC Television's host Sue Smith and Montreal Children's Hospital Trauma Director Debbie Friedman talk about Injury Prevention Tips to help keep your children safer. Click on the link below to watch the segment: 
Injury Prevention: Road Safety
 
Car Seats: click here 
Pedestrian safety

Pedestrian safety

  • Children younger than 9 years old should not cross the street alone.
  • Only cross the street at traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrian walkways. 
  • Always cross in front of a bus, never behind, and make eye contact with the driver. 
  • When walking with your child, make sure that you walk on the outside of the sidewalk and your child on the inside. Always hold your child’s hand.
  • Parents, caregivers and teachers should teach road safety rules and practice them.
Teach your child to:

Teach your child to:

  • Stop before stepping onto the road, look all ways before crossing (left, right, then left again) and listen for vehicles.
  • Make eye contact with drivers to ensure that you are visible to them.
  • Follow the crossing guard’s instructions when crossing the street.
  • Be on the lookout for cars at driveway entrances, street corners, and alleys.
  • Never cross between parked cars.
  • Never jaywalk.
  • Walk facing oncoming traffic and to never run into the road.
School bus safety

School bus safety

It is important to:

  • Stand away from traffic when waiting for the bus.
  • Stay in your seat, keep your head and arms inside the bus, and keep the aisle clear when the bus is moving.
  • Follow the bus driver’s instructions at all times.
  • Wait until the bus has come to a full stop and the doors have opened before standing up and getting off the bus.
  • Take 10 big steps ahead of the bus before crossing the street after getting off the bus.
  • Always cross in front of the bus, away from the danger zone so you can make eye contact with the driver.
  • Wait for a signal from the driver and look both ways before crossing.
Car Surfing

Car Surfing

Car surfing is an activity in which passengers are sitting or standing on the car while it is in motion. Car surfing is extremely dangerous and deadly. There are no protective measures that can minimize the risk of this activity. 
NEVER take part in car surfing.
 
 
Reviewed by Trauma specialists at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Last updated: July 2013, January 2016