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Travel & Vehicle

Travel Safety

Safety and personal protection are important to keep in mind when travelling. Useful resources and information for safe travel are included below.

Vehicle Safety

Carjacking

Carjacking takes place when a vehicle is taken by force or threat of force from the person who is in the vehicle or is attempting to enter or exit the vehicle. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of carjacking:

  • Do not leave keys in ignition/ vehicle running
  • Have your keys in hand when approaching vehicle so you can enter quickly
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Use parking garages that have attendants
  • Don't park in an isolated area
  • Lock all doors and raise windows when driving
  • Walk with another person when you go from a building to your vehicle at night
  • If a family member or pet is in the car while the carjacking takes place, tell the carjacker they can have the car but that there is someone else in it who needs to get out.
  • Report suspicious vehicles to the police

Vehicle Theft

Vehicle Theft occurs when a vehicle is stolen from a person who is not in the vehicle or entering/ exiting the vehicle. To reduce the risk of having your vehicle stolen:

  • Place valuables in the trunk/ out of sight
  • Keep your doors locked and windows up
  • Park in a locked garage if possible
  • Use the emergency brake
  • Don't park in an isolated area
  • Don't hide a spare key in the vehicle
  • Keep vehicle keys out of sight when at home
  • Buy a keyless remote starter
  • Buy an anti-theft device - steering-wheel lock, ignition of fuel kill switch, car alarm, tracking device
  • If you are warming up your vehicle, stay inside it or lock it and keep a spare key with you
  • Never leave a vehicle running and unattended
  • If someone approaches saying your tire is flat or your vehicle is damaged, get your wallet/ purse, turn off your vehicle and take the keys out of the ignition

Personal Safety in a Vehicle

  • Keep your vehicle locked while you drive and stop/ park
  • Use well-lit streets at night
  • If you think you are being followed do not drive home. Stop at a public place
  • Don't pick up hitchhikers
  • Ensure no one is in your vehicle when you enter it
  • Keep a map in your vehicle/ plan your route
  • If your vehicle breaks down or has a problem, stop in a well-lit area and stay inside your vehicle with doors locked while you wait for assistance

Child Safety in a Vehicle

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation advises correct use of child restraints on every trip. This significantly lowers the chance of deaths and serious injuries to passengers who are children.

  • Follow instructions in child seat manuals and vehicle manuals, ensure the seat is correctly installed with little movement
  • Follow weight and height restrictions of child seats
  • The restraint system should have Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) on the label and come with instructions
  • Children 12 and under should sit in the back seat with proper restraint