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Safety Considerations For A US/Canadian Holiday - Safety Precautions

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• Make sure that everyone in your party knows that the telephone number for contacting the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) in the USA and Canada is 911. This number must only be used in an emergency.

• Take details of any medicines and prescriptions for eye glasses with you, in case you need to obtain replacements.

• Many road accidents are caused by the driver becoming confused. Check the list of essential hints regarding driving in the USA and Canada in the driving section of this web site. If possible, have someone assist the driver with navigation, especially in large towns and cities.

• Obtain some large bottles in which to carry water in the car, both for the radiator and for essential drinking water should the car break down in hot weather. The large plastic bottles in which Wal-Mart sell drinks such as pink grapefruit are ideal.

• In hot weather wear sunglasses to avoid glare and a wide-brimmed hat to avoid sunburn. Also be sure to take regular drinks and snacks.

• Carry a concertina-like sunshade for the car windscreen, ideally one with the words "Call Police" on one side.

• Consult the car instruction manual (if it is available) to see how to change a tyre. Check the location of the spare tyre, the jack and the tools.

• Obtain a spare car key and keep it on you. The least expensive source is Wal-Mart, Kmart, etc. However, these stores don't always have key blanks for the latest models of cars, in which case you will need to use a locksmith which will be a little more expensive. A small amount of effort and cost could really pay off handsomely if you inadvertently lock the only key inside the car.

• As soon as possible, discover the correct tyre pressures for the car. This information will be in the car's instruction book if it is available. Other possible sources include a sticker inside the driver's door opening or in the glove box, any garage (but probably not a petrol station), a car salesroom for the appropriate make, a mechanics handbook sold in shops, or if you have Internet access the car manufacturer's web site.

• Give the car tyres a visual inspection every morning, lunch time and evening. Every few days check the tyre pressures in a gas station (petrol station).

• Check the car's engine oil level and windscreen washer fluid level every few days.

• In National Parks and other similar areas, stay on marked trails and stay behind any railings and barriers. Supervise children. Most trails are safe but there are some places with unprotected drops where a fall could lead to very serious injury.

• In motels, check that you know the way to the exits in case of fire. Most motels with inside corridors have a diagram on the inside of each room door.

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Most recently modified 25-Jun-02