Caution: Text driver ahead. How texting while driving ended with tragic consequences for one girl.

NEWS RELEASE, December 18, 2008

GATINEAU, Québec – With the holiday season upon Canadians, the Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC) urges one and all to bear in mind that car crashes are the number one cause of acquired brain injury. Drivers who resist ‘holiday’ egg nog and other alcoholic drinks greatly reduce their risk of being involved in an accident which may harm them and others.

“At this time of year our call for safety is tied to reducing car crashes, and thus the number of people who become brain injury survivors,” explains BIAC executive director, Harry Zarins. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reveal that over 47% (2005 statistics) of North American car accidents occurring during the last week of December are caused by impaired driving.

Driving while drunk increases your chances of reacting too slowly to avoid even a slow-moving accident. Even a mild blow to the head can result in a lifelong, silent and unseen acquired brain injury; and serve as a sobering reminder that that nip of festive cheer wasn’t worth it—to you, or your family and friends. If you choose to drink, choose not to drive. BIAC strongly supports and applauds organizations, such as Operation Nez Rouge/Operation Red Nose.

Treating preventable injuries, such as acquired brain injury, costs Canadians $14.7 billion per year. This sum further compromises Canadian business in these economic times, lowers our standard of living, and strains our publicly funded health care system.

The Brain Injury Association of Canada wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season.

Contributions to the Brain Injury Association can be made directly via our Donations Page, or through CanadaHelps.org.

BIAC is funded by the generosity of donors, as well as sponsors of its national Hawaiian Oyster Odyssey events.

For more information, please contact:
Harry Zarins, Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Canada
1-866-977-2493
harry.zarins@biac-aclc.ca

10 November 2008 SMARTRISK Staff

As Canadians head into another winter, Transport Canada has released a brochure with its top 10 tips to reduce the risk of a collision, noting “prevention is better than recovery”. It includes information about how to make your vehicle winter-ready, how to prepare for and drive in bad weather and what to pack in a winter survival kit.

Transport Canada and the Canadian Automobile Association put together these tips. The full brochure, Winter Driving, is available on the websites of Transport Canada and the CAA
Top 10 tips

1. Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall. Get your car thoroughly checked out, fill up with winter washer fluid and use winter wipers.
2. Install four matching winter tires.
3. Pack an emergency kit.
4. Learn and practise winter driving techniques before you need them.
5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions. Watch for black ice at temperatures between –4 and +4 C. Black ice is often found on shaded areas of the road, bridges and overpasses.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
9. Travel with a fully charged cellphone.
10. Slow down and wear your seatbelt.