Air

Many people will be travelling by air this season to reach their holiday destinations. Here are some things you should know to help eliminate unnecessary delays when going through airport security and to help you have a safe trip.

Before you leave for the Airport:

• Find out how many pieces of luggage you are allowed to take with you. Checked and carry-on baggage limits vary by airline and destination. It is a good idea to tag all your bags with your name and contact information before you get to the airport. Do not use your home address or business title.
• Pack your own bags; never let someone else do it.
• Liquids, gels and aerosols in containers with a capacity of 100 ml / 100 grams (3.4 oz.) or less are permitted through pre-board security screening as long as they fit comfortably in one (1) clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre (1 quart). Please note that bags stretched beyond their capacity are not permitted. One bag per person.
• Passengers may bring aboard baby formula, baby food or milk if a child aged two years and under is accompanying them. These items are exempt from the size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to additional screening.
• Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, as well as insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines are permitted in carry-on baggage. To speed up the screening process, passengers should be prepared to present documentation supporting a medical condition, i.e. a doctor’s note. These items are exempt from the size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic bag. However, passengers must declare all such items to screening authorities. These passengers may be subject to additional screening.
• Some liquids and aerosols can pose risks to health, safety or the environment when transported and are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage. For more information, please refer to Transport Canada’s list of dangerous goods.
• Ensure there are no sharp objects like scissors in your carry-on bag. Pack them in your checked luggage instead.
• Make sure electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers and portable or electronic games are charged and ready to turn on for inspection, as you may be required to turn these devices on when going through airport security.
• Make sure you have an appropriate piece of government-issued photo ID with you, such as a driver's licence for domestic travel or a passport for international travel. Keep your ID handy and accessible. You may be required to show it at the check-in counter and before boarding your flight.
• Know how early you should arrive at the airport. Check with your airline, because check-in times may vary by airline and destination.
• New security measures can cause delays for travellers. Be sure to arrive well before your departure time.

At the airport:

• Do not joke about hijackings or bombings. It is against the law.
• Do not accept parcels or letters from strangers for delivery to persons at your point of destination. Never carry anything onto a plane for anyone else.
• Never leave your luggage unattended, and keep your eyes on your bags at all times.
• If you see an unattended or suspicious bag or package, report it to airport security immediately.
• Bear in mind that you may have to remove some items, such as shoes, when going through airport security.
• Be aware that metal items may trigger metal detector alarms.
• After you have gone through airport security, you and your possessions may be subject to random screening just prior to boarding the aircraft.

During the flight:

• Pay close attention to the safety briefings at the beginning of the flight and know the location of all exits. Safety is everyone's responsibility.
• Be aware of which electronic devices are and are not allowed to be used during the flight. If you are unsure of the rules, consult a crew member.
• Follow the instructions of the crew at all times and be respectful of them and the other passengers. It is illegal to behave in a threatening manner towards others on board the flight. Remember, everyone is entitled to travel in a safe and secure environment.
• Inform the crew of any disruptive behaviour, follow their instructions and be courteous.
• Drinking juice or water during your flight - instead of coffee or alcohol - will help keep you hydrated.
• Try doing seated leg exercises throughout the flight to help prevent stiffness.

Marine

Safe boating is no accident.

Every year, about 200 people die in boating accidents across Canada.

There are some things you should know to help ensure your safety and prevent accidents.

• Wear your life-jacket. Approximately 90 per cent of all drowning victims in recreational boating incidents were not wearing a life-jacket or personal flotation device. There should be a life-jacket or personal flotation device for every person on the boat. They must be Canadian-approved and of an appropriate size for each person.
• Don't drink and drive. At least 40 per cent of all power boating fatality victims had a blood alcohol level above the legal driving limit. Driving a boat while impaired is a Criminal Code offence. You could be fined $600 or more, prohibited from operating a boat for up to three years and imprisoned, possibly for life, not to mention seriously injured or killed.
• Keep fire extinguishers at the most fire sensitive areas on your vessel such as the galley or engine room. Ensure your crew knows where the fire extinguishers are located.

Boat tours

If you are taking a boat tour, here are some things to consider:

• Commercial boat operators are required to provide safety briefings to passengers. Make sure your operator does this so that you know where the life-jackets are and what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Tell the boat operator in advance how many children are in your party.
• Ensure the proper numbers and sizes of life jackets are available when you board.
• Ask boat operators if they have a valid Transport Canada inspection certificate. You may also look for a sticker being placed on small passenger vessels over the coming months as part of a new campaign to help passengers identify boats that have received a valid inspection certificate.

Safety equipment

The following safety devices are required by law:

• Sound-signaling devices or appliances are required on all pleasure boats. These can range from a pealess whistle, a compressed gas or electric horn to electric whistles and bells.
• Most small pleasure boats are also required to have a watertight flashlight or flares. If your boat is in distress, this could be the only way of calling for help.
• Lifebuoys are required by law on pleasure boats over eight metres long. When buying a lifebuoy, look for the Transport Canada approval sticker. Store the lifebuoy so that it is readily accessible in the event someone falls overboard.

Other useful items include:

• Spare clothing in a watertight bag, in case the weather changes or you get wet.
• Drinking water and high-energy snacks.
• First aid kit, stored in a dry place. Remember to replace used and outdated contents regularly.
• Tool kit for any minor repairs needed while out on the water. It is also a good idea to have the owner's manual with you.

Proof of competency

All operators of motorized pleasure boats less than four metres in length need to have proof of competency on board at all times. In addition, all pleasure boat operators born after April 1, 1983 must have proof of competency, regardless of vessel size.

There are three ways you can demonstrate proof of competency:

• prove that you have successfully completed a boating safety course before April 1, 1999;
• obtain a pleasure craft operator card; or
• complete a rental-boat safety checklist, obtainable from the boat rental agency. This safety checklist is only valid for the period of time for which the boat is rented.

Age restrictions

There are certain age restrictions for operating power boats. For example, children under the age of 12 may not operate a boat with more than 10 hp (horse power) without supervision. As well, children between 12 and 16 may not operate a boat with more than 40 hp without supervision.

For more information on safe boating, check out the Office of Boating Safety's Web site or call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687.

Rail

Rail crossings

Every year, Canadians die in railway crossing and trespassing incidents, most of which are preventable. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent injuries and deaths on the tracks:

• Obey the signals. Last year, 38 people died and another 54 were seriously injured at rail crossings. Never attempt to drive under a gate as it is closing, or around a closed gate. If the gate begins to close while you're driving over a crossing, keep moving until you've cleared the crossing.
• Listen for warning bells and whistles. Turn off distractions like radios, fans and heaters. Ask the kids to be quiet until the crossing is safely crossed, and open the window to help you hear.
• Be prepared to stop at all railway crossings without signals. It is very important to look carefully for any approaching trains. It is very difficult to accurately judge how far away a train is and how fast it is traveling. Trains cannot stop quickly. A train traveling at 100 km/h requires the length of 14 football fields to stop and it cannot swerve to avoid you.
• Walking or playing on railway tracks is not only dangerous, it's against the law. The only safe place to cross the tracks is at a railway crossing.

Road

Before you head out, whether it's to the grocery store or on a long road trip, take a moment to read these safety tips.

Check your tires

Without proper maintenance, your tires could fail and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Proper tire maintenance is not only critical to the safe operation of your vehicle, but will also improve fuel economy, extend tire life, provide better vehicle handling, help prevent avoidable breakdowns and collisions, and reduce exhaust emissions that contribute to environmental, health and climate change problems.

• Check your tires once a month, especially before you head out on a long trip.
• Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct levels and do not exceed the load limit of your vehicle. This information can usually be found on the inside of the driver's door.
• Inspect your tires regularly for uneven tread wear, cuts, cracks, bulges and foreign objects and rotate tires on a regular basis.

Sharing the road with large trucks and commercial vehicles

There are more commercial vehicles on Canada's roads now than ever before. These vehicles can be up to 40 times heavier than an average car and take more than twice the distance to stop. To prevent collisions with these vehicles, remember:

• Avoid cutting in front of trucks or braking suddenly in front of them.
• When you are in the driver's blind spot, move through quickly and never pass on the right, where the blind spot is even larger. If you can't see the driver's face in their side mirror, they can't see you.
• When passing a truck, ensure you can do it safely, signal, then pass promptly. Be prepared to encounter splash and spray on wet roads.

Cell phones and other distractions

Pay attention-don't engage in distracting activities while driving. Cell phones and other devices such as electronic navigation systems are emerging as factors in road collisions.

• Do not use a phone while driving.
• Turn the phone off before you start driving. Let callers leave a message.
• If there are passengers in the vehicle, let one of them take or make the call.
• If you're expecting an important call, let someone else drive.

Core safety tips

• Wear your seatbelt. Almost 40 per cent of all vehicle occupants killed in 2002 were not wearing a seatbelt. So whether you're a driver or passenger, buckle up.
• When work correctly, seatbelts save lives. Lap belts should be kept low and snug over the hips, while shoulder belts should always be worn across the chest.
• Airbags save lives. Because they deploy very quickly, you should sit at least 25 centimeters away from the air bag compartment and wear your seat belt.
• Don't drink and drive. Alcohol is a significant contributing factor in road fatalities. Almost two out of every five drivers killed have been drinking.
• Slow down. Excessive speed is a contributing factor in 20 per cent of occupant fatalities.
• Each year, 25 per cent of deaths and 40 per cent of serious injuries from vehicle collisions occur at intersections. Be careful, even when you have the right of way.
• Remember to watch out for motor bikes and bicycles and be courteous to these road users.
• The safest place for kids under 12 is in the back seat. Have kids travel in the back seat, especially when there is an airbag for the passenger seat.
• About 70 per cent of automobile injuries to children can be prevented by using the correct car or booster seat for their height and weight.

Sustainability

• Driving at lower speeds can also help save you money. For example, driving 100 kilometres per hour on the highway instead of 120 kilometres per hour uses 20 per cent less fuel.
• Remove your roof rack when it's not being used. These racks, whether empty or full, increase aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption.
• 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than if you stop and restart your engine. So turn off your engine when you stop to save money and help protect the environment.