RTO/ERO District 18
  • Home
  • Executive
  • Newsletters
  • News
  • Image Gallery
  • Links

Archive for seniors

Posted by Retired Teachers District 18 
· July 5, 2015 

Driving….the conversation with Older Ontarians

Canadians are living longer, and driving longer. As the Baby Boom retires, the number of senior drivers on the road is increasing too. And while more experience is a good thing, so is awareness that some age-related changes are inevitable. (quoted from CAA)

Considerations when driving

  • Prepare for trip
  • Time considerations
  • Route planning
    Weather conditions
  • Night Driving
  • Know your comfort level and adjust accordingly

New Technologies

Know features of your vehicle in advance – no distractions while driving;

Know how to adjust:

  • Mirrors
  • Seats
  • Headrests
  • Headlights vs daytime running lights

Winter Driving

Install winter tires

Ensure these are in proper working order or are in your vehicle when travelling:

  • Heater
  • Defrost
    Wiper blades
  • Lights
  • Washer fluid
  • Gas tank at least ½ full
President Wayne Cooper presenting a “Thank You” to Sgt. Sean Hawley of the O.P.P. for his very informative talk on Seniors’ Safe Driving tips at recent Annual Meeting.

President Wayne Cooper presenting a “Thank You” to Sgt. Sean Hawley of the O.P.P. for his very informative talk on Seniors’ Safe Driving tips at recent Annual Meeting.

Survival Kit:

  • Shovel
  • Blanket
  • Warm Clothes
  • Booster Cables
  • High energy food
  • Water
  • Flashlight
  • Matches/Candle
  • Carry cell phone for emergencies

Handling Emergencies:

  • Hazard Lights
  • Pull over to the side of the road – even on flat tire
  • Call 911 or your roadside assistance club
  • Stay in your vehicle with seatbelt on
  • Call *511 – Road conditions
  • Website: http://www.cdn.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/trip/road_closures.shtml

New Legislation:

Move Over Law

  • Motorists are to slow down, proceed with caution when approaching an emergency vehicle
  • On a multi-lane highway – slow down and move over one lane if possible

Distracted Driving Law

  • Prohibits holding electronic device while driving
  • Prohibits adjusting GPS or radio, eating and drinking or multi-tasking while driving

Bob Paterson, Retired OPP Sergeant – The ACID Test

Points to consider for Safer Driving – Older Ontarians

  • Are you able to comfortably turn left at a busy intersection?
    Are you comfortable driving at night?
  • Are you comfortable using busy multi-lane highways?
  • Are you able to parallel park, even when backing into a generously sized spot?
  • Can you turn and look to the rear while backing up?
  • Are your children comfortable with you transporting your grandchildren in your vehicle?

For more information and resources:

  • CAA-tips for seniors and their loved ones www.seniorsdriving.caa.ca
  • Ministry of Transportation (MTO) www.mto.gov.on.ca
  • Retired OPP Sgt Bob Paterson-ACID test www.seniorsafetytips.ca
Categories : AGM, news, Senior Information
Tags : agm, driving, RTO, seniors

Recent Posts

  • Lindsay Recreation Centre Membership 2020
  • Travel Plan Effective Jan 1, 2020
  • 2019 THWTB
  • Keeping your Documents in a safe place
  • Planning for a longer retirement
Retired Teachers of Ontario · Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved
Designed by m. sullivan