‘See and be seen’ – the rule for drivers this holiday, CAA says

With Christmas less than a day away, CAA is reminding travellers to focus on their journey – not just the destination.

CAA Saskatchewan’s manager of communications, Angel Blair, said drivers need to check road and weather conditions before hitting the highway. That means monitoring Highway Hotline and The Weather Network to see what you’ll encounter.

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In preparation, Blair said motorists should also ensure their battery is charged – which can done at the CAA battery depot – especially since it’s the most common type of call the organization gets this time of year.

She also recommended leaving with at least a half tank of gas because it prevents moisture and adds weight for traction.

Once on the road, the rule for drivers is to, “see and be seen,” Blair said.

“So, turn on your headlights and your taillights. Make sure you’re signaling your intentions where you’re going. Make sure that your car is clear of snow and ice so you can see out of the windows,” she said.

Along with suitcases and presents, Blair advised drivers to pack a roadside kit in case they get stuck or stranded.

“Not only do we recommend grabbing those extra clothes, boots, blankets, but have some food and some water, some booster cables, and most importantly, a phone charger,” she said.

If that worst case scenario does happen though, the safest thing to do while waiting for roadside assistance, is to stay inside the car because it, “acts like a temporary shelter,” according to Blair.

Airplane travellers

For those whose holiday plans are taking them a little further away from home – and into the skies – Blair provided tips for smooth travels.

She said passengers should keep an eye on the forecasts for both their departure and destination cities, since bad weather can throw a wrench in the plans where there’s connections to catch or people to meet.

Other things to check before heading out the door are your flight status, in case of delays or cancellations, and your airline’s policies – including passenger rights.

“CAA does have a passenger help guide online if you actually lose a bag or you face delays, and maybe there’s a way to get some of that money back,” Blair said.

Her final recommendation was to make copies of IDs and passports, packing them separately from the originals, in case anything gets lost.

Home for the holidays

Alongside travel preparations, Blair said people also need to make arrangements for their homes before leaving.

“If you have a neighbour or a friend that could come, make sure that your driveway is shovelled and the sidewalk is cleared off. Make sure there’s no papers or deliveries on the front porch. Make sure that your window isn’t open with a tree full of presents underneath it,” she said.

Otherwise, “it just invites trouble,” according to Blair, who also suggested locking windows and garage doors and turning off the water.

For those who aren’t travelling, though, there’s still a few safety tips to follow.

Blair said to remember to check candles, ensuring they’re not left unattended, water real trees, check the lights on artificial ones, and keep an eye on the oven if you’re cooking.

“Do a quick safety sweep in your house every time you leave. Make sure nothing’s on or running,” she said.