Michelin Helps Canadian Drivers Stay Safe This Summer

Online safe driving tips stress importance of preparation and education

LAVAL, QC--May 2, 2013: With summer just around the corner, Canadian families will soon take to the open road. Now is a good time for summer road-trippers to brush up on the important tips that can contribute to safe driving as they explore the great Canadian outdoors or enjoy an urban adventure.

Michelin Canada encourages drivers to minimize the risk of on-road emergencies simply by preparing ahead of time, conducting proper safety checks and adhering to safe driving tips.

Check Your Tires: After all, your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road.

• Check your tires for wear - Using the 'Penny Test,' put the edge of the coin into the tread with the Queen going in head first. If the top of the Queen's head is covered by tread, that's good. If the top of her head is entirely visible, it's time to replace the tire.
• Check the air pressure - Tires have been known to lose up to 1 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure every month. Use a proper presssure guage to check pressure when tires are 'cold' (before driving or three hours after driving). Make sure your tires are inflated to the psi on the sticker inside the driver's door of your car. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire's sidewall. 
• Don't mix tires - If you're replacing only two new tires instead of four, be sure they are the same size and type as the current ones. Always install the new tires on the rear axle of your vehicle, which will reduce the risk of fishtailing and loss of stability in wet conditions.

Wet Driving: Wet road conditions present dangers of less grip and longer stopping distance.

• Slow down. Slowing down dramatically decreases the risk of accidents in rain.
• Always drive with two hands on the steering wheel
• Slow down before turning and maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn.
• While turning, don't make sudden steering wheel movements.
• Only brake in a straight line before the turn and do so gradually. Do not brake during the turn.
• Increase your following distance from other cars to allow for more stopping range.
• If hydroplaning, do not accelerate or brake suddenly. Keep your foot lightly on the gas and steer the car forward until your tires regain traction.

Blowouts:  This can be one of the most frightening moments on the road.

• As prevention, always drive with both hands on the wheel.
• If you have a tire blowout, don't panic. The loud noise will startle you, but follow these rules, and you'll quickly and safely regain control. First, keep your foot on the gas, grip the wheel firmly and stay in your lane, then, slow down gradually and carefully steer toward the shoulder of the road.

''Safety is our guiding principle at Michelin, and we are fully committed to helping drivers be as safe on the road as possible," says Adam Murphy, Marketing Director, Michelin Canada, "From offering Canadian families the best standard passenger car tire we have ever made -- the Michelin Defender -- to a comprehensive list of safety tips on our website, we're doing all we can to help Canadians have a safe driving season."

For more tips on safe driving, visit Driving and Safety Tips

Make driving safety a priority this summer