Traveling to Vancouver: Road Safety Tips

Going on a road trip to Vancouver is a great way to discover the rich urban culture and hidden gems of the city. Road trips to Canada in general have recently been on the rise, offering a more inexpensive alternative than flying. However, there are some guidelines regarding Travel safety by country/city that you need to be aware of, and some precautions that you may need to take, before you set out on your trip.

Here’s how to stay safe on your road trip to Vancouver.

Plan your trip

As fun as impulsive road trips can be, planning ahead will help you avoid traffic and rush hours, which will definitely minimize your risk of a car accident. The streets in Vancouver are generally very well-maintained, which also means that you may run into roadwork on your trip, if you plan it at the wrong time. Before you hit the road, always check your map to spot where roadworks and road enclosures may be. If you accidentally run into one of those, you may find yourself stuck in traffic for much longer than you have anticipated.

Drivers in traffic are generally more hot-headed, and the chances of car accidents are generally higher when you’re stuck in traffic jams. If you ever find yourself in such a situation where you’re faced with a personal injury due to a car accident, renowned Canadian attorney, Paul Warnett, from https://warnetthallen.com/ suggests that you call an attorney on the spot if you have to. Generally speaking, you should always take photos as evidence, and request the contact information of the other party and any witnesses in the area.

Be prepared

Travelling long distances can take a toll on your car if you don’t prepare it for the long drive. That said, preparing your car for travel will also ensure that you have a way back home. Having your car break down in another city can be extremely expensive, seeing as you’ll have to get your car fixed on the spot, or have it towed back home. Before you drive your way to another city, always check or adjust your coolant, oil, brakes, belts, windshield wipers, and tire pressure.

It’s also advised to carry an extra tire with you, even if you’ve just replaced all of yours. You never know what kind of mishaps you run into on the highway, and it’s best to be safe than sorry. On the other hand, you want to make sure that you are also prepared. Pack enough water bottles, a first aid kit, some blankets, and a printed map.

Familiarize yourself with the rules

Because Vancouver roads are designed to be safe for drivers and pedestrians alike, you may find that the rules of the road are stricter than what you’re used to. It’s always a good idea to do your research and skim through the rules, highlighting anything that you may not be familiar with, and memorizing them on your way to the city.

Following these rules will help keep you safe, and will also help you avoid getting a ticket, which can be quite expensive. 

Some of the most important rules you may want to keep in mind include: 

  • Driving through blinking green lights is allowed. You do not have to slow down or stop.
  • Using a cell phone, either to call or text, is prohibited for drivers.
  • Seat-belts must be worn at all times.
  • Making a U-turn at an intersection is prohibited, and will land you a ticket.

Know your lane

Vancouver is a generally environmentally friendly city, which means that you’ll run into many cyclists on the road. This can be a pain for you if you don’t know where your lane is, and it may also be a nuisance if you’re not used to having cyclists run past you, which compels you to keep your eyes on the road at all times to avoid collision.

Unfortunately, what may make this more difficult for you is how foreign-looking and confusing the lane markings on Vancouver roads are, some of which may even appear to be inconsistent. This is seldom a problem for locals, but tends to get many tourists in trouble. To avoid colliding with a cyclist, always check your mirrors, especially when making a U-turn, stopping or opening your car door.

Knowing how to keep yourself safe on your road trip to another city will help you enjoy your trip without having to worry about the different rules and guidelines of another district. When driving in the Vancouver area, you need to watch out for cyclists, memorize the rules of the road, and avoid any road closures. In case of an accident, always call a professional attorney on the spot to let you know what steps you can take.