​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Travelling from one place to another can involve driving, riding a bike, or walking. Each of these ways to travel has a risk of injury—to you or someone else. Follow the tips below to help keep you and others safe.

Driving

Many people drive a motor vehicle—such as a car, truck, or motorcycle—every day. It may even be part of your job.

Before you drive

• Remove ice, snow, and dirt from your windows and lights so you can see the road clearly.
• Map out your route or load directions into your GPS.
• Remove potential distractions. Place your phone in the back seat or trunk so you are not tempted to use it while driving.
• Fasten your seat belt. Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts, and use car seats​ (also called child safety seats) for all children in the vehicle.
  

On the road

• Share the road with other people who are driving, riding bikes, and walking.
  
• Be patient with pedestrians (people who are walking), especially children, older people, or people with small children or strollers. They may need more time to cross the road.
• Always be in complete control when driving, with no drugs, alcohol, or cannabis in your system.
  
• Focus only on driving and don’t do anything else. Alberta's distracted driving law​ applies to all vehicles and all roads in Alberta. Drivers can't do things such as text, read, or use hand-held cell phones while driving or when stopped at a red light.
  

Riding a bike

Riding a bike on the road is like driving a vehicle. You have the same responsibilities as a person driving. And you need to take other precautions, because bikes are smaller and harder to see and hear.

Remember these biking safety tips:

• Wear a proper-fitting helmet. This is the law for people under 18. It also sets a good example for children and could save your life.
• Know the all the rules of the road for riding a bike, including how to use bike lanes and how to use hand signals. If you don’t know these, consider looking for an organization or club that offers bike safety training for the road.
• Share the road with other people who are driving, riding bikes, and walking.
  
• Use a bell to alert people walking or on bikes that you're near.
  
• Wear bright clothing, reflective tape, reflectors, and rear lights so you’re easier to see.
• Use a headlamp or handlebar lights to light up the road in front of you at night.
• Know the all the rules of the road for riding a bicycle, including how to use bike lanes and how to use hand signals.

Walking

No matter your age, you need to be careful and aware when you go out walking. Some of the most serious injuries to people walking are from motor vehicles.​

Follow these safety tips:

Cross safely

• Before you cross the street, make eye contact with drivers and wait for cars to stop. Even cars that seem to be slowing down may not stop.
• Whenever possible, use pedestrian lights at intersections that signal when it’s safe to walk.
• Always look before​ you step onto the crosswalk or road, even if there are lights. If there are no crossing lights, wait until you’re sure it’s safe to cross and vehicles in both directions have stopped completely.

Be visible

• Make sure everyone can see you. At night, wearing items like bright- or light-coloured clothing, reflective strips, or a flashing light can make you more visible.
• Carry a flashlight or headlamp to light your way at night.
  

Avoid slips and falls

• Wear proper-fitting shoes with a good grip. 
• In winter, add ice grips to your shoes and a pick at the end of your poles or cane.
  

Be alert

• If you’re wearing headphones or earbuds, keep your volume low enough to hear what’s going on around you.
• Be in control when you’re walking. Having drugs, alcohol, or cannabis in your system or talking on your phone can put you at higher risk of getting injured.​