Canadian Pro Drivers

07/03/2025

Here is a great article and study from CAA on the daily danger for cyclists and pedestrians. Remember to give them the right of way!

OTTAWA – Pedestrians and cyclists face life-threatening near misses in Canadian intersections every day, according to a groundbreaking new CAA study that sheds light on areas for improvement. The study used cameras and AI to monitor and analyze intersections across Canada in real time, recording o...

06/27/2025

🚗💥 Long Weekend Driving Tips – Stay Safe on the Roads! 🌞🚧

With more vehicles on the road this weekend, it's important to plan ahead and drive responsibly. Whether you’re heading out for a quick getaway or visiting family and friends, here are a few road safety tips to keep in mind:

✅ Plan Ahead
Check traffic and weather conditions before you go. Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing.

✅ Perform a Pre-Trip Check
Inspect your vehicle for tire pressure, fluid levels, lights, and wipers. A few minutes now can prevent a roadside breakdown later.

✅ Leave Space Around Your Vehicle
Maintain a safe following distance — at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front. Increase distance in poor weather or heavy traffic.

✅ Stay Focused
Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting your GPS while driving. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

✅ Drive Sober and Alert
Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. Switch drivers or take breaks as needed to stay sharp.

✅ Buckle Up
Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly secured — seatbelts save lives.

Let’s work together to make this long weekend a safe one for everyone on the road. 🛣️🚦

06/15/2025

🚗💙 This Father's Day, Let's Drive with Care 💙🚗

Dads wear many hats — protector, teacher, hero — and behind the wheel, those roles matter more than ever. Whether you're headed to the park, the store, or just out for ice cream, remember: your most important cargo is sitting right behind you.

👨‍👧‍👦 Buckle up.
📵 Put the phone away.
🛑 Drive focused, drive safe.

This Father’s Day lets honor all the amazing dads out there by making smart, safe driving choices — both for them and because of them.

06/06/2025

June 6, 2025 is National Donut Day, and we are all for celebrating with a chocolate dip, a jelly-filled, or maybe even a classic old-fashioned. But let’s be clear—the only donuts you should be doing are the edible kind.

“Doing donuts” in a vehicle—aka spinning your car in tight circles, usually in a parking lot or open space—might look cool in movies or viral videos, but in real life, it’s considered stunt driving.

That means:
🚔 You could have your license suspended.
🚔 Your vehicle could be impounded.
💸 You might face a fine.
📉 Insurance premiums increase.
🔧 And let’s not forget the damage to your tires and suspension.

Yes, tires are round like donuts, but they are not meant to be frosted with burnt rubber.

Let’s keep the roads (and parking lots) safe. Celebrate National Donut Day the responsible way:
➡ Park your vehicle.
➡ Grab some donuts from your local bakery.
➡ And leave the spinning to the pastry case.

Drive safe.

05/26/2025

If you are interested in becoming a Driving Instructor, please see the summer course schedule at our college partners below:

Centennial College is offering a part time course on starting on July 22, 2025

Humber Polytechnic is offering a full time course starting June 2, 2025 and a part time course starting July 28, 2025.

Fanshawe College is offering a full time course starting June 2, 2025.

For more information contact the college or Canadian Pro Drivers at 416-233-0179..

05/23/2025

This is a great reminder for all drivers!

In recognition of Slow Down, Move Over Day, CAA is calling on motorists to adhere to laws requiring them to Slow Down and Move Over for roadside safety workers such as stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing lights. Here are CAA’s tips for...

05/19/2025

As Canada Road Safety Week concludes, here is some additional information about another risky driving behaviour.

Seatbelts are essential for safety in any vehicle. Driving without a seatbelt is a serious offence under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and a major safety risk.

Seatbelt regulations may differ across provinces; however, the following are the rules applicable in Ontario.
• All drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt that is properly adjusted and securely fastened.
• The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 16 years old are wearing a seatbelt or are in an appropriate child safety seat.
• Passengers 16 and older are responsible for buckling themselves up.

If you're caught driving without a seatbelt, or if your passengers aren't buckled up, you could face:
• Fines between $200 to $1,000
• Two demerit points for drivers (even if it is a passenger not wearing a seatbelt)
• Increased insurance rates
• Possible injury or death in a crash—even at low speeds

Safety Facts:
• Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 50% for drivers and front-seat passengers.
• Airbags are not a substitute for seatbelts. They work with seatbelts, not instead of them.

Always buckle up before you drive – even for short trips. Most collisions happen close to home and at speeds under 60 km/h.

05/16/2025

What is aggressive driving?

Aggressive driving refers to a number of dangerous and unlawful driving behaviors that show a disregard for road safety. It often involves actions like:
• Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
• Tailgating (following too closely)
• Frequent or unsafe lane changes
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Cutting off other drivers
• Excessive honking or rude gestures
• Brake-checking (slamming on brakes suddenly to intimidate a driver behind)
• Stunt driving (driving 40-50 km or more over the speed limit, street racing, etc.)

The consequences for these actions can include fines, demerit points, licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, higher insurance cost, criminal charges and more.

Aggressive driving increases the risk of collisions and road rage incidents. If you encounter an aggressive driver, do not engage with them — instead choose to stay calm, give them space, move out of the way, and report dangerous driving to police, if needed.

Driving in a safe and co-operative manner is in the best interest for all road users.

05/13/2025

Canada Road Safety Week is a nationwide initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. The campaign aims to enhance public awareness and encourage safe driving practices to reduce injuries and save lives on our roadways.

This year, it will be observed from May 13 to 19, 2025, with the theme “Every Road. Every Day. Everyone.”

All individuals operating a vehicle must consistently practice safe driving habits in order to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other road users.

This campaign addresses risky driving behaviour that affects the safety of drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. The behaviors addressed include:
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Fatigue impaired driving
• Driving without a seatbelt

Please join Canadian Pro Drivers to support this initiative and to save lives on all our roadways.

05/12/2025

Distracted driving has become the number one cause of death on our roadways. These collisions are very preventable.

Distracted driving is the act of driving while engaging in activities that divert the driver’s attention from the primary task of driving.

When you are in the care and control of a vehicle, it is important to remain focused on the driving task. A driver needs to eliminate distractions and here are some tips to do that:
· Make sure children are safely buckled in and any pets are secured.
· Program the GPS before leaving on the trip.
· Adjust all vehicle settings like mirrors, climate control and entertainment settings before you start the trip.
· Get a hands-free device to call in case of emergencies.
· If your phone doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities to enable hands free communication, then silence your phone.
· Secure all loose items.
· Keep both hands on the wheel and be mindful of surroundings, including traffic and potential hazards.
· Ensure that all personal grooming is done before you leave the house.
· Eat and drink before or after your journey or stop along the roadway.

Always drive with your full attention on driving so you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination.

05/06/2025

Many drivers use mapping services to navigate to their destination. These mapping applications help drivers to avoid traffic congestion, collision areas, and identify routes that are both time and fuel efficient.

The question often asked, is ‘Am I allowed to use the tools while I’m driving?

The answer varies depending on the manner in which the tools are used.

In Ontario, the use of hand-held devices while driving has been prohibited since 2018. Drivers are not permitted to program these tools, even when stopped in traffic, unless voice commands are used.

The key to navigation system use is how they are being viewed. If a driver is using a phone to display the GPS, the phone must be mounted for drivers who use them. A built-in-car display GPS is acceptable.

Always set the destination before beginning to drive. Once this is done, you are permitted to use the app to receive directions and traffic updates. However, you are not allowed to respond to app prompts asking about the presence of an accident or a stalled car at the side of the road.

The only exception to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) regarding phone usage while driving is to answer or end a call or dial 911. If a driver uses their phone for other purposes, they may receive a ticket for distracted driving. Penalties for distracted driving in Ontario include fines, demerit points, and license suspensions.

Remember to remain focused, use your GPS correctly, and ensure that you maintain care and control of your vehicles at all times.

Don’t drive distracted and stay safe on the roads.

04/24/2025

This year several regions across Canada experienced harsh winter conditions and with the arrival of spring, many roadways are riddled with potholes and other road damage.

Here are a few helpful driving tips for managing potholes on the roadways—ideal for fleet drivers or everyday commuters:

1. Scan Well Ahead: Keep your eyes on the road and scan 16-20 seconds ahead to spot dips or shadows that may indicate a pothole.

2. Adjust Speed Smoothly: Ease off the accelerator well before a pothole rather than braking suddenly. A gradual slowdown lessens suspension stress and reduces the chance of skidding.

3. Maintain Safe Following Distance: Keep at least a three-second gap behind the vehicle in front. That extra space gives you more time to identify—and if necessary, maneuver around—road damage.

4. Grip the Wheel Firmly: A pothole strike can jerk the steering wheel. Holding it with both hands at the “9 and 3” positions helps you to stay in control and correct any sudden veering.

5. Post-Impact Inspection: If you hit a deep pothole, pull over when safe and check:
• Tires: Look for bulges, cuts, or low pressure
• Rims: Inspect for bends or cracks
• Alignment: Notice if the vehicle pulls to one side