The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 17, 2006 - 29 Driving safe this Victoria Day weekend - Tips from the experts With Canada's first holiday weekend of the summer approaching, National Road Safety Week gears up May 1622, 2006 to remind drivers across Canada to remember safety this summer whenever they get behind the wheel. More Canadians die in vehicle crashes in the summer than at any other time of the year. According to Transport Canada's most recent statistics, there were more than twice as many serious collisions during the month of July as there were in February. To help Canadians stay safe and avoid being in a crash, Young Drivers of Canada offers valuable summer driving tips to prepare for the summer road ahead. The following are the Top 10 Summer Road Safety 1. Preventive Maintenance - There are many reasons for breakdowns, but overheated cooling systems, burned transmissions and tire problems are the most common. A few simple inspections by either yourself, or a licensed technician, can reduce potential problems. For best fuel economy and handling, tire pressure should be maintained close to the maximum indication on the door pillar or glove box. As the temperature outside goes up and down, so does tire pressure. Checking it at least once a month, and before heading out on vacation, is a good idea. 2. Objects Inside Your Vehicle - When packing your vehicle this summer, ensure that loose objects are properly secured. If not properly secured, they may become projectiles, which could injure or kill if flying around your vehicle. As well, keep a safety kit in the trunk including a bottle of sunscreen, insect repellent, and factory sealed bottles of water. 3. Plan Your Route - Plan your route ahead of time using an up-to-date map. Reading a map while driving is distracting so make a list of street/highway names where you need to turn. Know the name of the street prior to the one you want to turn onto. Listen to the traffic report before you leave to reach your cottage or summer destination. Anticipate how long your route will take and leave plenty of time to avoid stress. Never follow and never lead another driver to your destination. That poses as a distraction, so intend to meet them there instead. 4. Traveling with Children - Ensure the children are properly buckled in their seats before starting your drive. Make certain that they have something to keep them occupied during your trip to avoid hearing "Are we there yet?" a million times. It is also a good idea to pull over every two hours to have the children stretch their legs and use the restroom. 5. Merging Onto The Freeway - There are four steps to merging safely and easily onto the freeway. First, while in the merging lane accelerate to match the speed of traffic already on the freeway. Second, find a space. Third, signal and recheck mirrors and blind spot and make a lane change. Fourth, make a tiny adjustment in speed to secure space in front and behind your vehicle and get a good view ahead. 6. Gravel Roads - Driving on a gravel road or any other loose surface is just as difficult as driving on snow. Some gravel roads become worn into a washboard like surface, which may cause your wheels to "skip" or dance sideways if you are driving too fast. On a gravel road, reduce speed and drive smoothly, just as you would on ice or snow. 7. Following Distance - At city speeds, in good weather, the minimum safe following distance is 2 seconds and should be increased to 3 seconds on highways/freeways. The way to measure this is to choose a point of reference ahead such as a building or post. When the vehicle in front passes that point, begin to count - one thousand and one, one thousand and two, etc. Your vehicle should not pass your point of reference until you are finished counting. This gives you enough time to see, react and stop your vehicle safely. 8. Changing Lanes - While changing lanes is a very simple task, it produces thousands of collisions each year. The problem is that we cannot see all the potential problems through our mirrors alone. The proper lane change steps are; check the inside mirror to locate a space, signal, side mirror on the way to checking the blind spot and then look ahead into your new lane before drifting over. A final inside mirror check once the change is completed will help ensure safe spacing behind you. Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic as you change lanes. 9. Drowsy Driving - Driving while you are tired is very dangerous. It reduces your ability to drive effectively. Your reaction time is slower, awareness is decreased, and judgment is impaired. Be sure you get enough sleep before you get behind the wheel. If you are traveling a long distance, stop at least every 2 hours to take a break. 10. Night Driving - At night, most of us drive too fast without realizing the danger. On a dark highway, driving at the speed limit using low beams does not provide you with enough time to stop when your lane is blocked. Your low beams do not show you enough of the road to stop by the time you recognize the danger. For this reason, switch to high beams as soon as you are able. When you switch to low beams for approaching vehicles, switch them back to high beams just as the approaching vehicle is passing because this is the worst time to spot a problem. Putting these Summer Road Safety Tips to use will help us make this Canada's safest summer ever. Lets have Canadians and their families confidently reach their summer destinations and enjoy a safe summer vacation. For more Summer Road Safety tips, visit www.youngdrivers.com. COME IN AND TEST DRIVE ANY KIA and get an XM satellite radio PLUS 2 MONTHS SERVICE ON US MONTHLY LEASE PAYMENT DOWN PAYMENT 2005 AJAC AWARD FOR BEST NEW ECONOMY CAR $185* $203* $221* $1,995 $995 $0 2006 SPECTRA PER MO./60 MOS. $0 SECURITY LEASE DEPOSIT FROM $2,849 DOWN PAYMENT $ 1 70 Features * 2.9 LEASE APR* % EX model shown MSRP $15,995* 43 MPG 2006 Honda Civic 4dr Sedan DX-G 6.6 L/100 KM highway fuel consumption> Compare the 2006 Spectra 2006 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan LX Convenience 2006 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan Sport MSRP Engine Torque Air conditioning Cruise control Power windows Heated power adjustable mirrors 15" wheels Seating lumbar support 60:40 split-folding rear seats Warranty Comprehensive Warranty Powertrain Warranty Roadside Assistance 136 lb. ft. @ 4,500 RPM 5-year/100,000 km 5-year/100,000 km 5-year/100,000 km $17,895 2.0 L/4 cyl. $18,880 1.8 L/4 cyl. 128 lb. ft. @ 4,300 RPM 3-year/60,000 km 5-year/100,000 km 3-year/unlimited $20,615 1.8 L/4 cyl. 122 lb. ft. @ 4,200 RPM optional 3-year/60,000 km 5-year/100,000 km 3-year/60,000 km 2006 SPORTAGE "...no less capable than SUVs costing twice as much." Derek McNaughton, Ottawa Citizen $ LEASE FROM 209 $3,500 DOWN PAYMENT *PER MO./ 48 MOS. $0 SECURITY DEPOSIT 0.8 LEASE APR* % MONTHLY LEASE PAYMENT DOWN PAYMENT $230* $251* $283* $2,495 $1,495 $0 36 MPG 7.8 L/100 KM highway fuel consumption> · 16" alloy wheels · 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) · 6 airbags · Cruise control · Electronic Stability Program (ESP) · Traction Control System (TCS) · Power windows, locks & mirrors SPORTAGE, RANKED "MOST APPEALING ENTRY SUV IN THE U.S." V6 model shown MSRP $21,095* To locate a Kia dealer near you, visit kia.ca. Oakville Kia 1450 Speers Road, Oakville, ON (905) 847-1511 *Leasing plans OAC provided by Kia Canada Financial Services. Based on an MSRP of $15,995/$21,095 on 2006 Spectra (ST5416)/2006 Sportage (SP5516) with annual lease interest rate of 2.90%/0.80%. Monthly payment is $170/$209 for 60/48 months. Down payment or trade equivalent of $2,849/$3,500. Total lease obligation of $13,049/$13,532. Option to purchase at lease end for $4,208.70/$7,972.60. $0 security deposit on all models. Lease has 20,000 km/year allowance (other packages available) and $0.10/km for excess. Lease offers exclude delivery and destination for 2006 Spectra/2006 Sportage ($1,090/$1,295). First month's lease payment, delivery and destination, and a $350 acquisition fee, due upon delivery. Licence, registration, insurance, delivery and destination, dealer administration fees and taxes are not included, unless otherwise stated. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Prices subject to change without notice. Featured models are not exactly as illustrated. Images contain available accessories. >Fuel consumption for 2006 Spectra (ST5416) is 42.8 mpg (6.6 L/100 km), 2006 Sportage LX (SP5516) is 36.2 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) Highway. These estimates are based on the Government of Canada's approved criteria and testing methods. The actual fuel consumption of these vehicles may vary. Refer to the Government of Canada publication EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide. J.D. Power and Associates 2005 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout StudySM. Study based on responses from 115,026 U.S. new-vehicle owners surveyed during the first 90 days of ownership. www.jdpower.com. Test drive program ends May 31, 2006. XM offer expires June 15, 2006 or while supplies last. Approximate retail value of RoadyXT and 2 months service is $99.99 and $25.98 respectively, plus applicable taxes. Eligibility for the above offer is contingent upon the purchase of a 12-month prepaid subscription to XM Canada Satellite Radio Service and the payment of any associated fees and taxes (including, but not limited to, all applicable shipping charges). In the event of cancellation by customer prior to the expiry of the 12-month prepaid subscription, customer becomes responsible for payment of the full retail value, plus applicable taxes, of the RoadyXT to XM Canada. XM Canada reserves the right to substitute a comparable radio at its sole discretion. All fees and programming are subject to change without notice. This offer is non-transferable and not redeemable in cash. Offer only available within Canada and is not valid in association with any other offer. Offer available for new subscriptions only and can only be redeemed once per person. Use of the XM Satellite Radio Service in Canada is governed by the terms and conditions located at www.xmradio.ca. Use of the RoadyXT is governed by the terms and conditions enclosed therewith and XM Canada and Kia Canada hereby disclaim any responsibility with respect to customer use thereof. This offer is not open to employees of Kia Canada or XM Canada or its affiliated companies, immediate family members of any such employees and all others with whom any of the forgoing are domiciled. KIA is a registered trademark of Kia Motors Corporation used under licence. ROADYXT is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc. used under licence by XM Canada. Kia's "Worry-Free Comprehensive" warranty covers most vehicle components against defects under normal use and maintenance conditions. Price, availability and specifications are subject to changes without notice. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of print. All comparative data is sourced from AutoPlannerTM, licensed by Autodata Solutions. Civic is a trademark of Honda Canada Inc. Corolla is a trademark of Toyota Canada Inc. KIA is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.