Road Trips
Philippe Létourneau’s 5 Safe Summer Driving Tips
As a former professional race car driver and now the Chief Driving Instructor for BMW and judge on the TV show Canada’s Worst Driver, Philippe Létourneau knows a thing or two about driving. Read on to find out more about his five tips for safe driving this summer.
Summer Driving Tips: Look at Your Vehicle
Before you enter your car, look at your machine. You are driving something on public roads that weighs a lot, so it is important to make sure your equipment is ready for the task. As you walk up to the car, glance at the tires. Even brand new tires can lose up to one pound of air a month. If you have a tire that’s under-inflated, it will affect the handling of vehicle.
Brush up on the rules of the road with these car driving tips.
Summer Driving Tips: Be Safe
Put your seat belt on correctly and adjust your seating position. Philippe stresses the importance of having the lower seat belt strap go over your hips, not your stomach, to ensure it is stable. Also be sure to sit upright and properly behind the steering wheel. Philippe says driving is like any sport, so respect and handle your equipment properly.
Here are eight things to have in your car in case of roadside trouble.
Summer Driving Tips: Treat Driving as a Job
In Canada, car accidents are most commonly caused by driver distraction. Cell phone use, changing the radio station, eating and drinking in the car are some of the most common distractions. Philippe urges Canadians to stay alert and focused in the car. Your job is to get from point A to B, so take this task seriously.
Check out these three ways to reduce driving distractions.
Summer Driving Tips: Avoid Road Rage
Don’t let the road enrage you. Philippe sees road rage as an increasing problem amongst Canadians, particularly in big cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. He encourages Canadians to maintain a positive approach to driving. Respect for the road and the job of driving is paramount.
Before you get behind the wheel, check out our ultimate road trip safety checklist.
Summer Driving Tips: Stay Calm
As a judge on Canada’s Worst Driver, Philippe has witnessed some of the worst driving behaviours in the country. He says tense, panicked drivers often get themselves into the most trouble. Remaining calm behind the wheel will prevent you from making rash and dangerous decisions.
