Summer Safety Tips for the Road and Water 

By Cowan Insurance Group

Cruising down the road in a classic car with the sun on your face and your favourite song on the radio. Settling into a Muskoka chair by the fire, cold drink in hand, as the day winds down. Summer is a time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the moments that matter most.

At Cowan, we want you to make the most of every summer adventure with confidence and peace of mind. That’s why we’ve put together these practical summer safety tips to help keep you, your loved ones, and the things you value most safe all season long.

Summer safety tips for hitting the road

Whether you’re exploring the open road on a motorcycle, taking your classic car out for a summer drive, or enjoying a ride on your bicycle, a little preparation can go a long way. 

Take the time to make sure your seasonal vehicle is safe for use before hitting the road. Before doing anything, check your auto insurance policy so that you know what’s covered in the event of an accident.

Vintage cars and motorcycles

Vintage cars and motorcycles are often used seasonally and may spend months in winter storage. Before returning your vehicle to the road, conduct a thorough inspection of key components, including the engine, tires, brakes and electrical systems. Pay close attention to areas that may have been affected by prolong inactivity and confirm that all seatbelts are present and functioning properly. For motorcycles owners, ensure your riding gear and safety equipment are up to date and in good condition, including your helmet and protective riding gear.

If possible, take your vehicle for a short test drive to identify any issues. Be sure to test headlights, brake lights, and turn indicators to ensure they’re operating correctly before heading out on the road.

During your test drive, practice braking and take time to get used to driving your seasonal vehicle again. Time away from your vehicle may have left you less familiar with how it handles, or you may have become accustomed to driving a different vehicle while your seasonal one was in storage. Make sure that you know its stopping distance and adjust rear- and side-view mirrors to eliminate blind spots.

A good rule of thumb for all vehicles is to keep a fully stocked first aid kit readily accessible in case of an emergency.

Check out our in-depth guides on classic cars, motorcycles, and what to do if you’re in an accident for more information on vehicle safety and auto insurance.

Recreational vehicles (RVs)

Like vintage cars and motorcycles, RVs are often used seasonally and should be treated to the same inspection and preparation after being taken out of storage. Check key components such as the engine, tires, brakes, and electrical system – due to their size and complicated systems, RVs may suffer more wear and tear when stored than typical seasonal vehicles.

After performing the standard seasonal inspection, you must de-winterize your RV (if you winterized your tanks before putting the vehicle in storage). First remove every trace of anti-freeze, flush your outside shower hose with clean water, and drain the remaining water from your freshwater tank. Then, add fresh water to the tank and turn on the water pump and all faucets in your vehicle, allowing the water to clear out any remaining anti-freeze. Replace your water filter cartridge if your RV requires one.

Next, check for any water leaks around sinks, cabinets, and toilets for any visible leaks. If you do find a leak, repair it before using your vehicle for travel.

Once you’re certain that your water is clear of anti-freeze and there are no leaks present, check the condition of any appliances in the RV. If any tanks or liquified petroleum gas cylinders still contain gas, safely ensure that the tank is still functional.

If you find that any of your gas appliances need repair, take them to an authorized RV service shop.

Ensure that all other systems are operational and not in need of repair or replenishment, such as engine fluids and gas, the plumbing system, power generators, and the seams and sealing of your vehicle. Don’t overlook smaller yet critical items such as fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, gas leak detectors, and smoke detectors.

Before taking your RV out for a drive, make sure you don’t have any unwanted passengers. Idle RVs are a popular nesting place for many animals and insects. Perform a thorough inspection of hidden and tight spaces and seek professional assistance to remove any uninvited occupants you may find and repair any damage they may have caused.

Bicycles 

Ensure your bicycle is equipped with reflectors, properly maintained, and that you wear appropriate protective equipment. When riding, follow all traffics laws, use hand signals to indicate your intentions, and use a bell to alert others to your presence. Plan your route in advance and remain aware of potential hazards you may encounter along the way.

Pay close attention to other road users and always ride defensively. Assume that drivers may not see you and be prepared for them to enter your space even where they are not permitted to do so, including dedicated bicycle lanes.

Replace your safety equipment when necessary. If your helmet has been involved in a crash, even if it looks undamaged, it should be replaced. Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a single collision. After a crash, the helmet’s structural integrity may have been compromised, making it less effective at protecting you in the future.

Summer safety tips for water activities

It’s hard to imagine summer fun without time spent in or around water, which is why it’s important to take the time to implement safety practices to ensure you can enjoy your time on the water with confidence.

Boating and fishing

Make sure you have the appropriate licenses and permits for your boat and review your insurance policy to ensure it is up to date. Before heading out on the water, check that weather and water conditions are suitable for boating. Inspect your boat for any signs of damage and confirm that fuel levels are adequate for your trip. You should also ensure you have essential safety equipment on board, such as floatation devices, flares, a bucket, and other emergency supplies.

While on the water, stay aware of your surroundings and stay sober. Treat driving a boat like driving a car – don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had a drink. Staying alert and unimpaired helps ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the water.

When fishing, like preparing for a boat trip, check weather conditions for both your fishing spot and the route there before heading out. Even when you’re fishing from the shore, don’t underestimate the danger the water can pose, particularly during poor weather conditions. When fishing from a boat, follow the boating safety procedures listed above. Be sure to wear appropriate protective gear and bring a fully stocked first aid kit.

When casting, wear a hat and protective eyewear to guard against accidental injuries from fishhooks. Consider using barbless hooks, which are easier to remove from fish and can reduce the risk of injury should an accident occur. Practice safe casting by checking the area around and behind you to make sure you have space to cast safely. Additionally, wear non-slip shoes or boots to prevent falls.

Don’t let kids use fishing tools unattended and help them to remove hooks from any fish they may catch.

Check out our extended guide on boating safety and preparation for more information.

Experts in summer fun

Seasonal vehicles are meant to be enjoyed, but a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping every trip stress-free. Whether you’re hitting the open road or setting sail, reviewing your vehicle, following basic safety practices, and ensuring you have the right insurance coverage can help you make the most of the season.

An experienced Cowan Insurance Group broker can help you review your policy so you can enjoy every adventure with confidence.

To learn more, please visit the LAS Home and Auto Insurance webpage.