| Insurance Bureau of Canada - www.ibc.ca
|
| Canadian Coalition Against Insurance Fraud - www.fraudcoalition.org |
| Financial Services Commission of Ontario - www.fsco.gov.on.ca |
| Centre for Study of Insurance Operations - www.csio.com |
| Insurance Canada - www.insurance-canada.ca |
| A.M. Best Canada Limited (Insurance Rating Service) - www.ambest.ca |
| How to Prevent Vehicle Theft |
| Although you can not ensure your vehicle will
not be stolen you can take a few easy steps to prevent the
likelihood of it happening, by making it more difficult for
a thief to steal your vehicle and its contents.
- Always lock your vehicle
- Never leave your keys in the vehicle
- Turn off your ignition whenever you leave your car
- Avoid parking on the street
- Conceal items left in your car, keep things in the
trunk and never leave money or compact discs in the open
- Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit,
well-guarded, highly visible area.
- Ask your neighbours to watch out for your vehicle
and do the same for them
- Install an anti-theft deterrent such as car alarms
or an ignition disabler.
|
| |
| Vehicle Safety and Maintenance |
- Read your vehicle owner's manual to understand its
maintenance needs.
- Maintaining your vehicle according to the manufacturers
recommended maintenance schedule will go a long way in extending
the life of your vehicle and spotting minor problems before
they become major repairs.
- Have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic
whenever you notice a change in braking or handling.
- Consider taking a recognized driver safety course.
Brakes:
Your brakes are obviously one of the most important components
on your automobile. Proper care and regular maintenance is
essential to protect both yourself and others from the potential
harm caused by faulty brakes. Some signs that your brakes
may be failing or require maintenance include:
- The brakes squeal, grind or bang when applied. If
this occurs you should immediately have your brakes checked
- The car pulls to one side when you apply the brakes
- The brakes stick or a loss of engine power when
you are driving . Your brakes may not be releasing properly
which can lead to total brake loss
- The brakes grab when lightly applied. This could
be caused by loose or broken brake parts
- The brakes need a lot of pressure to work or the
pedal needs to be near the floor before it works. This may
be a sign that your brakes are worn and replacement is necessary
- The brake pedal, steering wheel or entire car vibrates
when you step on the brakes
|
| |
| Child Restraint Safety |
- It is important to install a child's restraint seat
properly in order for it to be effective.
- Read the manufacturer's installation instructions
thoroughly
- Many police departments have programs to help with
proper installation
|
| |
| Road Safety |
| Road safety is an important issue on today's crowded
roadways. For statistics and information regarding road safety
and its impact on social and medical costs please visit the
Transport
Canada site. |
| |
| Airbags and Seatbelts |
|
| Airbags have been the topic of much discussion
since they have become a standard feature with newer automobiles.
For information and guidelines pertaining to use and safety
issues of air bags please visit the following sites: |
| |
| Drinking and Driving |
| Drinking and driving has been the cause of many
unfortunate accidents resulting in serious injuries and loss
of life on our roadways. The following web sites contain statistics
and information pertaining to drinking and driving: |
| |
| Cell Phones and Safety |
Cell phones can be valuable equipment in a car
when you need to call for assistance. However, they can also
be a distraction if they are used while driving, and many jurisdictions
are considering restrictions on cell phone use while driving.
For safety's sake, don't use your cell phone while driving.
If you need to make a call, stop your car safely away from traffic
before picking up the phone. |
| |
| Preparing for Winter Driving |
| Canadians know that winter driving can be treacherous
at the best of times. The following web sites contain tips and
information to help you prepare yourself and your vehicle for
safe winter driving. |
| |
| What to Do When You Are Involved in an
Accident |
| Being involved in an accident can be a very stressful
event. To ensure you protect both yourself and your interests
please take time to understand what you should do if you are
involved in an automobile accident. |
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