Insurance Programs for CARP Members – Complete Coverage Solutions



	Retired Police Sergeant Bob Paterson works with The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. and The McLennan Group Life Insurance Inc. to develop practical safety tips for CARP members. In addition, Sergeant Bob will answer your safety questions. If you have a question you’d like to ask Sergeant Bob, CLICK. Sergeant Bob answers questions from CARP members New questions posted December 15, 2011: CARP Member Question: When one lane changes into two lanes (same direction) is this considered a change of direction I.E. Is a visual scan/signal/mirror/shoulder check required? Sergeant Bob: One lane into two lanes is not a change in direction but it is considered a change in lane configuration. If you are occupying the lane that continues unchanged there would be no requirement for you to do anything. If you have selected to move from the lane you are currently occupying into the newly provided lane, a signal and shoulder check would be required, and wise, just as it would be for any other lane change. CARP Member Question: Right-of-way given to public transit buses exiting bus bays... Has this changed to now include buses exiting a stopped position in the right lane? Sergeant Bob: The key to this question is in the definition of BUS BAY. A bus bay is defined as an area for boarding passengers that is adjacent to the traveled portion of the road and would require the bus operator to exit the normal traffic lane and then subsequently re-enter the normally traveled lane. So we're talking about a specifically designed area adjacent to the roadway and NOT the usual curb lane. In the Province of Ontario the HTA requires us to yield to the bus and allow it to re-enter the normally traveled lane. This will differ by province. So, there is no requirement to yield to the bus when it is already in the traveled lane and simply proceeding forward, you must yield only when the bus is re-entering the lane from the designated bus bay. Although helping the bus move forward in any situation would certainly be a nice thing to do. CARP Member Question: When approaching a stop sign for a right turn does one stay ‘with the curve of the curb’ to the stop bar/line or go straight to the stop line and then make a hard right turn? Sergeant Bob: The exact location of the required stop is at the stop line on the roadway and not necessarily the stop sign location. That being said, we should also recognize that in the absence of a stop line, or if it’s obstructed by snow etc., we must stop at the intersecting pedestrian side walk or the line of the intersecting road way. This makes sense. I cannot remember seeing a stop line that was located well into the right hand turn however, in that scenario, it would make sense to stop first at the stop line, then cautiously proceed forward and initiate the right turn manoeuvre. It sounds like you may have a specific intersection in mind though? If you can turn right and proceed forward BEFORE reaching the stop line I would be extra careful as I’d be concerned about the drivers to my rear that may be too close and may not be anticipating my exact stop location. Following drivers may also be scanning to the left and take their eyes of the rear of my car. A rear ender is common in this situation. I’d be especially careful riding my motorcycle in this awkward situation, and as always, the requirement is on the turning driver to complete the turn only when safe to do so. CARP Member Question: Is a 1 three lane change permitted or must one complete 3 one lane changes? Sergeant Bob: The legal requirement is to signal your turn for a change in direction and from one lane of traffic to another lane. This one-lane to another requirement would suggest that each lane change should be made independently. I would be signalling and checking that the one lane change can be made safely, then establish my self in the new lane before re-checking and making the next lane change. A vehicle sweeping across several lanes at once would present an obvious risk and could attract plenty of police attention. Other than a mechanical problem, or collision avoidance, a sweeping multi-lane change would likely indicate a desperate manoeuvre and suggest a lack of concentration /lane awareness. There is a requirement to signal only when your manoeuvre will affect other drivers but I will recommend signally every time, it’s a matter of habit. Finally; in the event of a problem with your directional indicators, a hand signal still works. So, if you are out and about in your antique car, use your hand signals! CARP Member Question: Do hands free device laws include radio devices like MP3 players and GPS equipment? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK This is a great question. And yes, the new distracted driving laws can include your MP3 player and GPS depending on where you are driving. Like many inter-provincial situations, it gets complicated, and as you have pointed out, the laws extend beyond cell phones. For example in PEI a TV screen anywhere in the vehicle is an offence according to legislation, where other provinces permit a TV providing it’s outside the driver’s field of vision. Another example is that as of June 2011, there is no specific distracted driver legislation in NWT or Nunavut. Rather local police apply the careless driving legislation as they feel applicable. Your best bet is to check your provincial laws by logging onto the Transport Canada website ‐ these folks have a simple chart that explains things nicely: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-distractions-current-legislation-1074.htm X CLOSE CARP Member Question: This fall we’re travelling across much of Canada by car and will be stopping to bicycle in several provinces during our tour. Are bicycle helmets required in all provinces? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Here is a run-down of provinces requiring bicycle helmet use: Alberta, Ontario – cyclists under 18 must have a helmet. British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI – all ages groups must have a helmet. Manitoba – only requires that children riding in bike carriers must wear a helmet. Saskatchewan, Quebec, Yukon, NWT, Nunavut & Newfoundland & Labrador – no law in place. Although some municipalities in these regions have by-laws requiring helmet use. You will need to check on the specific areas for their local requirements. Note: It’s becoming common practice to discard helmets that are three years or older, or after they have been damaged by a crash or even a fall from a high storage shelf. The material is capable of absorbing impact only once, so be safe and replace yours as needed. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: What role do headrests play in keeping me safe in my vehicle? Are they really useful and how do they protect me in a crash? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Indeed head restraints play a critical role in vehicular safety. The first priority is to minimize head and neck hyper extension backwards if your vehicle is rear-ended (i.e. whiplash). The other role is to keep you firmly in your seat, exactly where you should be during a collision/impact situation. A good guide is to have the centre of the headrest slightly above the top of the ear and that the top of the headrest should be at least as high as the top of the head. As always though, read your owner’s manual for specific instructions. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: A traffic roundabout is being built in our new subdivision. What’s the best way to approach a roundabout and do you like the idea? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK I really like a well engineered roundabout and I’m pleased that these types of intersections are becoming popular in Canada. They help with traffic flow, are safer (once we get accustomed to them), and they help the environment in terms of vehicle noise and emissions. A few basic tips can help unfamiliar drivers adjust to the roundabout system: • Yield to traffic already in the roundabout that comes from your immediate left before you enter. • Don’t stop unless traffic flow demands it. • Use your right turn indicator when you are inside the roundabout and want to change position or are preparing to exit. • Slow your vehicle speed as you approach, not while turning. • If you miss your exit, keep going around the roundabout until you reach it again. A special note for pedestrians: Never cross through the centre of the island. Rather cross at marked crosswalks only. You will find them before each road reaches the roundabout. Be sure to tell and show your children the correct way. As we all get used to these intersections, be sure to take it easy and don’t tailgate or speed. We can all adjust and get comfortable together. For additional information on roundabouts please visit: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/saferoads-roundabouts-index-58.htm X CLOSE CARP Member Question: Do I need a boat operator’s license when boating this summer? I reside in Ontario where I regularly boat but am also planning a visit to BC and may rent a boat while I’m there. Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK All operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes within Canada must have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card or they risk being fined ($250). The law came into effect as of September 15, 2009 and there is no grandfather clause or age exemption – the law applies to all boaters. Although it’s over and above the legal requirements, Transport Canada recommends taking a boating safety course as the best preparation for the test. It’s also important to keep in mind that boat licensing and equipment regulations are a provincial issue so they may vary through Canada and the only way to be certain is to check on each individual province's requirements before you visit. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: My university age son and his friends are using our waterfront cottage for the weekend. They’ll also be using our boats to do some tubing and fishing. He’s a good, responsible kid but I want to make sure he takes his responsibilities with regards to water activities seriously. What are some statistics I can share with him and what is a good resource to use? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK While drowning deaths in Canada have declined substantially since the 1990’s, it still remains a concern. In Ontario during 2010, there were 89 drowning deaths that the Office of the Chief Coroner or Ontario investigated and some eye opening statistics were provided – a sampling provided below. For the full report please Click Here. • Drowning is largely a male-related phenomenon. 76 of 89 (85%) deaths were male. • Those aged 20-64 account for 50 of 89 (56%) of the deaths. • 22 of 23 (96%) of those operating power boats and unpowered boats that drowned were not wearing life jackets or personal floatation devices. • Alcohol was a contributing factor in 39 of 58 (67%) of the drowning deaths between 15-64 years of age. • For those in whom the swimming status was known, 40% were non-swimmers. What does this mean for your son and his friends? Talk with your son to find out who will be attending, have him ask them about their swimming abilities and boating experience (and licensing if there is any chance they’ll be operating the boat as well), help your son develop some rules about when and by whom the boat can be used (daytime, no alcohol, life jackets required) and make sure he’s comfortable enforcing these rules. Although safety is hardly a genderless concern, it certainly warrants repeating that drowning is largely a male-related phenomenon. As such, stress to your son the importance of remaining steadfast in both the rules and responsibilities that both he and his friends need to bear to ensure an enjoyable and, ultimately, safe weekend. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: I have been given a steering wheel lock for my new car. It’s a long bar that fastens the brake pedal to the steering wheel. Are these security locks effective? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Your new anti-theft device can help, but it’s not perfect. First off, lock your car tight and take the keys with you, every time. Next, remove all interior valuables from sight. These initial steps are simple, no cost ways of protecting your vehicle and whatever is stored inside it. An experienced car thief who is determined to get your car can likely defeat your new security device or simply fracture the steering wheel and remove the lock, but the additional time and the damage to the vehicle may discourage the thief. Speed and silence are top priorities for the thief and your locking device may be a hassle that makes your car less attractive. Random tip: Your locking device is big and heavy. When it’s not in use store it in the truck or fasten it down so it doesn’t strike anyone during a collision or an emergency braking situation. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: Are residential “dead bolts” the best security locks for my front door? Should I install them? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Dead bolts are a good choice for most doors if installed correctly. The door itself and the door frame should be of good quality. The 4 x 4 rule is a good standard for door frames and striker plates: at least 4 screws, 4 inches in length, screwed into 4 inches of wood. The dead bolts should be reasonable quality and should be unlocked on the interior side by latch, rather than by key. An interior key system can make emergency fire escape awkward, especially for children, advanced seniors, or individuals with disabilities. The best reference source for more information is the Home Security Audit Guide that can be found at: www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/publications/pubs.html and select the Home Security Audit Guide which can be down loaded free of charge. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: Do I have to stop at a police roadside spot check (e.g. R.I.D.E. in Ontario, Checkstop in Alberta, etc.)? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Yes, you must stop. The police officer has the legislated authority to stop vehicles and check for evidence of open or available alcohol and driver impairment. Fleeing the scene will result in lots of excitement and the possibility of several criminal charges. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: I’ve heard that being restrained by a seat belt makes rescue difficult, and that seat belts can be dangerous if your car ends up in the water. Is this true? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Correct seat belt use is mandatory and highly recommended across Canada and several U.S. States. The odds of surviving a serious crash are overwhelmingly better if you’re belted in. Upon impact, other supplementary safety systems in your vehicle (air bag, air curtains, head rests, soft surfaces, etc.) will protect you best when your body is held securely in your seat and not being tossed about or completely ejected. The impact of even a moderate collision is difficult to imagine and an adult or child is best protected when the severe jolt of the initial impact is minimized by being correctly fastened in. Over a period of 32 years, I have responded to countless nasty collisions as both a police officer and an ambulance attendant and have not once been hampered by correct seat belt use. However, I have seen hundreds of individuals survive a crash because of correct seat belt use. Please buckle up. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: We’d like to safely take our grandchildren in our car down to Florida. When can they move out of the booster seats? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK In Canada, children can move out of booster seats if they are at least 8 years old, at least 80 lbs and are at least 4 ft 9 inch tall. But please be careful! Child restraint laws and best practices can be complicated and you must do a little research before transporting children. You must be aware of ongoing rules and recent changes like child seat and booster expiry dates. They now have a limited effective life span. Two great sources for Canadian information: Transport Canada – www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/releases-2011-H039e-6342.htm Safe Kids Canada – www.safekidscanada.ca/parents/safety-information/car-seats/index.aspx A good source for American information: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – www.iihs.org/laws/childrestraint.aspx However it is always a good idea to go to the State in question website and check carefully as information can become outdated quickly. Finally, when installing child restraint equipment please check two addition sources carefully: The vehicle owner’s manual and the equipment (car or booster seat) manual. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: I have just received a traffic ticket and I don’t agree with the police officer. Should I fight the ticket? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK There are three directions you can take when it comes to a traffic ticket. • Plead guilty and pay the set fine. • Plead not guilty and set a trial date where the circumstances will be examined in court. • Arrange a visit with a court prosecutor and discuss your concerns. In some cases negotiation and compromise can result in a resolution that is a little easier to live with. You also have the option of getting advice from a lawyer, para-legal etc. or the always abundant tips and comments from well meaning pals! Police services and municipalities have varying, but similar processes so read the paper work and the ticket carefully and follow the instructions so that matters don’t become more complicated. Just don’t ignore the ticket, in the long run this plan rarely goes well. And remember that all non-administrative tickets can affect your insurance premiums. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: There is an unmarked car behind me on the road flashing a red light and I'm not sure if it’s actually a police officer or not. What should I do? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK The Provincial Highway Traffic Laws tell us that when requested to stop by a readily identifiable police officer we shall immediately come to a safe stop. If the vehicle attempting to pull you over isn't easily identifiable as a police vehicle, you should activate your emergency flashers and proceed at normal speed to a safe location (preferably a busy, well lit area). Please note that it is very rare for police to attempt a stop in an unmarked vehicle. Random Tip: Look up local non-emergency phone numbers and store these in your cell phone. Random Tip 2: Remember to remain seated when pulled over and wait for the officer to approach you. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: I was on the highway the other day and a vehicle approached from the rear that had a small green flashing light on its dashboard. What does that mean? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK A small green flashing light can be displayed by responding volunteer fire fighters. It does not give a firefighter special privileges, but rather acts as an identifier to the drivers of other vehicles so that they may give up their right-of-way and allow the firefighter get to the emergency unimpeded. While there is no legal obligation to pull to the side for a flashing/rotating green light, it simply makes sense. The emergency could be occurring at your home so please let them pass safely. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: Does the posted speed limit apply even when you are overtaking (passing) another vehicle? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Yes. The speed limit as posted is the maximum that can be legally achieved, regardless of circumstance. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: If you cannot produce your driver's license, proof of insurance or ownership, do you have 24 hours to produce the documents at a local police station? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK No, although depending on the circumstances, the officer may agree to and coordinate a second get together to go over the documents. Remember, carrying a complete set of current documents is your legal requirement when operating a vehicle. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: If I’m involved in a collision, can I make my own towing arrangements? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Yes, unless there are complicating circumstances or the vehicle(s) must be moved for security or evidentiary reasons. X CLOSE CARP Member Question: If there is an emergency and we are told to evacuate our homes, where do we go and what do we take? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK Check with your municipal office website or office. Each community is mandated to have an emergency plan that includes evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols, routes and local shelter locations. Preparation is the key to developing a family plan and a 72 hour kit. Plan now! X CLOSE CARP Member Question: Are traffic laws the same across Canada? Sergeant Bob Answers: CLICK No. Provincial statues governing highway traffic are not national, so there can be many variations. However, some national safety transportation standards are federally regulated and therefore apply across the country. As well, the Criminal Code of Canada is enforced nationally. If you are heading out on a multi-provincial trip, it’s a good idea to first research applicable provincial laws. X CLOSE These safety tips are for informational purposes only. Following them may decrease, but will not eliminate, risk of loss. Neither The McLennan Group Insurance Inc., The McLennan Group Life Insurance Inc. or CARP shall be liable for any loss or damage arising out of these tips.