Many people with experience in driving on the roads in the USA or Europe are not sure if they can easily drive on the roads of Canada. Let’s assume you’ve been in the USA for the last 5 years and now have shifted to Canada. Well, since you know driving, you won’t have any issues with the techniques. But the Canadian Highway Codes are different than those of Europe or the United States. Initially, most newcomers get confused when they see a flashing green line or reach a 4-way intersection facing another car reaching that point at the same time.
Canadians are good people. They are sober, calm, and gentle. They very much abide by the laws of the country and are courteous by all means. So, it would be your duty to maintain the dignity and rules on the road. And to do so, you must have to get accustomed to the Highway Safety Code. It is good if you introduce yourself as a driver on Canadian roads after having a course from a driving school. For now, let’s talk about some road safety rules in the country.
Safety rules for driving in Canada
- Don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt–This is the compulsory rule of driving and the same in every country as well as for every driver and passenger.
- Maintain speed limit – The speed limit usually depends on if you’re driving on the highway or in a small town. It varies between 30 km/hr and 100 km/hr. You will find speed limit signs all over the road. Follow them and maintain the maximum speed limit. Though the maximum speed limit on the highways is 100 km/hr there is a tacit notion that speed can be increased up to 120 km/hr.
- Understand the difference between a flashing green light and a normal green light – On Canadian roads, you’ll find two types of green light – normal and flashing. The former denotes the same meaning as what is common on European roads. But a flashing green light denotes that the driver has the right-of-way making a left turn.
- Be careful about the road signs – This is a must for driving in any country. Road signs guide you through whether you have to take a right turn, a left one,or continue driving straight. These things are taught in any leading Driving School Scarborough.
- Take care of 4-way stops – In case of a 4-way stop, the first to stop has to be the first to go. If two cars reach the point at the same time, the driver yields to the car on the right. It would be good to make eye contact with the other driver to indicate what you want.
- Maintain dedicated lanes – When in the city area, a driver should give the right-to-way to the bus drivers going to merge into the moving traffic as it leaves the bus stop if there’s a yield sign on the back of the bus. Moreover, some Canadian cities have dedicated lanes for public vehicles like taxis and buses. Follow the rule and pay attention to the hours mentioned on the road sign.
- Allow school buses to pass – The safety of the children comes first in any part of the world and Canada is no different. If a school bus stops with its red lights flashing, use caution and bring your car to a complete stop at least 5 meters from the school bus. The flashing lights should be turned off and the yellow bus should be advancing before you resume your course. Any reputed driving school Toronto makes its students aware of these rules.
- Turn right on the red light – You’re allowed to turn right while facing a red light in any part of Canada except the Island of Montreal and at the crossings where it’s forbidden by a specific traffic sign.
Well, these are some of the most common and golden rules that someone new in Canada should follow while sitting at the wheel. This applies to the new drivers as well.