Safety

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Safety

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This chapter provides information to keep you informed

and safe. It includes information on the following:
• vehicle safety
• passenger safety
• safe driving tips

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Vehicle Safety
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Maintaining your vehicle
All motor vehicles registered in Nova Scotia must be
inspected every year to make sure they meet safety
standards. The same is true for all trailers towed on
provincial roads. The standards are outlined in the Motor
Vehicle Inspection Regulations. Inspections must be
performed at an official inspection station by an authorized
inspection mechanic.

The following parts of a motor vehicle must be

inspected by the official testing station:
• windshield and glass in windows
• horn
• brakes
• windshield wipers
• steering system
• suspension system
• exhaust system
• fuel system
• lights
• tires and wheels
• mirrors
• body components
• coupling devices and towing
• connections (if so equipped)

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Any police officer, or inspector appointed by the Minister,
can inspect your vehicle at any time. If your vehicle is found
to be unsafe, it can be ordered off the road until the problem
is fixed. In more serious situations, you may be charged
for failing to meet the requirements outlined in the
Motor Vehicle Act.

For your safety and the safety of your passengers, you

should perform regular checks throughout the year so that
problems can be identified and corrected early. The annual
inspection is not a guarantee that the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily for another year. Remember, it is illegal
to operate a vehicle in an unfit or dangerous condition.

Regular maintenance checklist

The manual that comes with your vehicle tells you what
needs to be done for proper maintenance and how to
do it. The recommended maintenance schedule will vary
depending on the type of driving you do. Your manual
contains information about regular service, such as when
to replace or check various parts of your vehicle. If you are
unable to perform these checks yourself, have them done
by a qualified person.

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Tires Check the tire pressure of each tire, including
the spare (preferably when the tires are cold
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or have remained still for more than four
hours). Properly inflated tires last longer and
provide better gas mileage, better traction,
and safer driving. Rotate tires according to
the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tip: Have your brakes examined when each
tire is removed and rotated. Also check tires
for damage or wear, as unusual wear could
indicate a more serious problem. For example,
when wheels are out of alignment, tires show
unusual wear. Poor alignment could be caused
by a serious mechanical problem.

Have a qualified person at a garage or

tire shop check your tires for
• tread depth of at least 1.5 millimetres
• bumps, bulges, knots, exposed cords, or deep
cuts in the tread or sidewall
• metal fragments projecting through the
rubber, if they are steel-belted tires

Replace badly damaged or worn tires as

soon as possible. Buy or replace tires
according to owner’s manual or the tire
manufacturer’s guide.

To get good traction in winter, install snow or

all-season tires on all four wheels. Remember,
winter tires will suffer excessive wear if used
during the summer. Studded tires are legal
in Nova Scotia between October 15 and
April 30 only.

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Windshield Check the windshield for cracks or marks that
could affect visibility. Make sure windshield
wipers work properly. If your wipers leave
streaks on the windshield, replace them.

Fluids Check under the hood, when the engine is cool

and turned off, to see that the fluid levels are
sufficient. This includes oil, radiator coolant,
brake fluid, and windshield washer. Also, check
all hoses for cracks or leaks and fan belts for
wear and tension.

Lights Check that all lights and signals are

working properly.

Shocks Check shock absorbers by pushing down hard

on each corner of your vehicle and let up.
If the corner bounces more than once before
resuming its original position, the shock likely
needs to be replaced.

Mirrors Check mirrors to ensure they are solidly

attached. Look for cracks or chips that might
impair visibility. Re-adjust mirrors to your
personal driving position to provide the best
visibility. Consider potential blind spots and your
ability to safely scan when making adjustments.

Interior Check the interior of your vehicle. Your vehicle

should be kept clean inside and out. Secure
loose objects so that they do not accidentally
become lodged under the brake or gas pedals,
restricting their operation. Keep seat belts clean
to prevent moisture from damaging the
mechanism. Check seat belts for any cuts
or breaks in the fibres or wear at the
anchor points.

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Brakes Check brakes regularly by observing how the
vehicle responds when the brakes are applied.
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If any of the following happen when you apply
your brakes, then have your mechanic check
them immediately:
• the brake pedal goes down too far
• you hear metal surfaces rubbing together
• the vehicle pulls to the left or right
• stopping occurs slowly

Also test the parking brake to make sure that

the vehicle doesn’t move when it is stopped
or parked on a grade. Make sure the brake
releases fully.

Steering Check the steering for unreasonable play when

turning the steering wheel. Most new vehicles
use a direct drive system. This means that you
only need to turn the steering wheel a little and
the vehicle will begin to change direction.

Exhaust Check the exhaust system by listening for

changes in the noises you hear as you drive.
A hole in the exhaust system can be very noisy
or cause a change in the sound of your vehicle’s
motor. More importantly, holes cause poisonous
gases to leak from the exhaust system. Inspect
the floor and trunk area for holes where toxic
exhaust fumes may seep into the passenger
compartment. This is very important during
the winter when windows and vents are
generally closed.

Body Check the body of your vehicle for sharp edges

and loose parts. Also check doors and windows
to ensure they are working properly.

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Lighting equipment
Lighting equipment standards have been established for
each class of vehicle. Headlights must be used during the
period beginning half an hour after sunset to half an hour
before sunrise. Lights are also required any time when
visibility is limited by fog, rain, snow, or other atmospheric
conditions and when there is not enough light on the
highway to see a person 300 metres ahead. During
times when lights are required, it is illegal to use
parking lights or daytime running lights instead of
headlights.

Headlights must be adjusted to be parallel to the road.

None of the main bright portion of the beam may rise higher
than one metre at a distance of 20 metres from the vehicle.
Headlights should be periodically checked for aim by
a mechanic.

Daytime running lights allow a vehicle to be seen

more easily and at greater distances by other motorists,
pedestrians, and cyclists. Vehicles made before 1990 can be
modified to add daytime running lights. If your vehicle is not
equipped with daytime running lights, you can improve your
vehicle’s visibility by using your headlights at all times.

Red brake lights are required on all registered motor

vehicles. The brake lights must be plainly visible in normal
sunlight from a distance of 100 metres. The rear signal
and parking lights can be separate lights or form part
of the brake light.

A white plate light that illuminates the number plate

is also necessary. The number plate must be readable from
a distance of 15 metres. This white light is not required on
a motor-driven cycle (moped).

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Signal lights or turn indicators are required to signal an
intention to start from a parked position, to turn at an
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intersection (whether you are in a marked lane or not), to
stop from a moving position, or to change lanes. These lights
must give a flashing white or amber (yellow) signal to the
front, and a flashing amber or red signal to the rear. On
vehicles 2.05 metres or more in overall width, each signal
must be plainly visible in normal sunlight from a distance
of 150 metres. On vehicles less than 2.05 metres, the signal
must be visible for 100 metres. A signal must not project
a glaring or dazzling light.

Parking lights or reflectors are required on all vehicles.

A white or amber light or reflector must be displayed on
the front roadway side of all parked vehicles. Parked vehicles
must also display a red light or reflector to the rear during
the times when lights are required.

Emergency flashers are used during emergency situations,

such as when a vehicle is stalled in a roadway, or when
a vehicle travelling uphill cannot maintain the minimum
posted speed as directed by signs such as “Use 4-way
flashers below 70 km/h.”

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Special lights
Only specialty and emergency vehicles may use revolving
or flashing lights.

Flashing red: A flashing red light visible from the front may
be used only on the following vehicles:
• an ambulance
• a police or fire department vehicle
• a school bus while taking on or unloading passengers
• a vehicle used by the chief or deputy chief of a volunteer
fire department

Flashing amber: Flashing amber lights are required on

a school bus. They may also be used on a vehicle
transporting explosives, on a motor vehicle towing a wide
trailer, or on a service vehicle. A service vehicle includes
a vehicle engaged in the construction or maintenance of
highways, communications, or power systems.

Flashing blue: A flashing blue light can be used only on a

police vehicle or a vehicle being used by a conservation
officer.

Other vehicle equipment

Ornaments: A motor vehicle must not have any ornaments
or decorations, either inside or outside, that obstruct the
vision or distract the attention of the driver.

Horn: Every motor vehicle must be equipped with a horn

in good working order that can be heard at a distance of
60 metres. Horns should be sounded whenever it is
necessary, such as advising another driver of your intention
to pass. You must not use your horn unnecessarily.

Adjustable front seat: The front seat in most vehicles can

be moved back and forth to adjust to the leg length of each
driver. Adjust your seat so that you can reach all the controls
and pedals easily and still sit comfortably.

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Winter maintenance
Begin with the items on the Check List (pg 103). Although
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a well-maintained vehicle will usually start in all weather
conditions, it is best to shelter your vehicle from direct
contact with rain or snow whenever possible. Cold weather
can put extra strain on your vehicle, especially on its
electrical systems when lights, radio, heaters, and defroster
are all working at once. Have your battery checked and the
terminals cleaned at least twice during the winter.

Be prepared for a winter emergency. You should carry the

following items in your vehicle:
• a shovel
• a bag of sand or kitty litter
• booster cables
• candles and matches
• emergency flares or warning lights
• blankets
• chain for towing
• extra winter windshield washer fluid (refill the
container regularly)
• tire chains
• cell phone or change for a pay phone in case of
an emergency

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Passenger Safety
Automobile collisions can be traumatic events. Responsible
drivers greatly reduce the risk of a collision by obeying traffic
regulations. They realize it is their responsibility to drive
carefully so as not to cause any harm to themselves or other
persons, or damage to property.

Why to use a seat belt or child restraint

Collisions do happen, however, even to the most careful
driver. The force of a collision is so great that unrestrained
persons may strike each other or the interior of the vehicle,
or may be ejected from the vehicle. Severe injuries or death
often result. Using a seat belt or child restraint system
correctly helps hold all persons in place in the vehicle.
This provides them with a far better chance of avoiding
serious injury.

Seat belts and child restraints also help prevent injuries

during “regular” driving. A driver may have to swerve
and stop, or stop suddenly to avoid a collision. Unrestrained
persons may strike each other or the vehicle interior.

Fewer than 1 per cent of all injury-producing collisions

involve fire or submersion. In these situations, wearing
a seat belt greatly increases the chance of remaining
conscious in order to escape from the vehicle.

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Seat belts, child restraints, and the law
Everyone 16 years of age and older, whether a driver
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or passenger, riding in a motor vehicle in Nova Scotia
is required by law to wear a seat belt if a seating position
with a seat belt is available to them.

A driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers

under 16 are wearing a seat belt if a seating position with
a seat belt is available to them. Young children must be
placed in an approved child restraint system that is
appropriate for them:
• Children from birth to 10 kg (22 lb) must ride in a rear-
facing infant seat that meets the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213.1. It is secured to the vehicle by the
vehicle seat belt.
• Children from 10 kg (22 lb) to 18 kg (40 lb) must ride in
a forward-facing child seat that meets the Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. It is secured to the
vehicle by the seat belt and by
a tether strap. The tether strap
is connected from the child car
seat to an anchor bolt installed
in the metal framework of the
vehicle.
• Children who weigh more than
18 kg (40 lb) but are under
145 cm (4’9”) tall must ride in
a booster seat that meets the
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213.2, if they are
younger than 9 years of age
unless they have reached
145 cm (57”) in height.
A booster seat is strongly
recommended to help position
the seat belt correctly across
the child’s body. Child Restraint

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The wearing of seat belts does
not apply to
• a person who is unable to wear a seat belt or use
a child restraint because of their size, build, or other
physical characteristic
• a person who, in the opinion of a legally qualified
medical practitioner, is unable to wear a seat belt or child
restraint system for medical reasons
• an on-duty peace officer
• a fireman while in or on a vehicle of a firefighting
organization
• a driver operating a taxicab for hire
• a driver operating a public transit bus
• a medical attendant in an ambulance
transporting a patient
• a person while engaged in work that entails leaving
and entering the vehicle at frequent intervals
• the driver and passengers of a motor vehicle
transporting prisoners

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Correct use of seat belts and
child restraints
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• Vehicle seat belts must be maintained in good working
order and not altered in any way that reduces their
effectiveness.
• The lap portion of a seat belt should be worn as low on
the hips as possible, while the shoulder portion should
not lie across the face or neck.
• Seat belts must also be worn
during pregnancy. The lap
portion should be worn under
the abdomen and as low over
the hips as possible.
• Parents should read and
understand the instructions
for their child restraint before
attempting to install it in the
vehicle. Further information
may be obtained from the
child restraint manufacturer,
local safety organizations,
or provincial and federal
transportation departments.

Seatbelt

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Airbags
• Airbags do not replace seat belts. They provide additional
protection in severe frontal collisions. (Side and rear
airbags are available on some vehicles.)
• A rear-facing child restraint must never be used in
a seating position where there is an airbag. There is
too much force exerted on the child restraint by the
deploying airbag. Children under 12 years of age
should not be located in a seating position where
there is an airbag.

Carrying passengers
You must take on or let off passengers or goods only at the
curb or side of the road. Never allow a person to leave or
enter your vehicle while it is moving.

You may carry passengers in trucks in the space intended

for cargo only if there are seats securely affixed to the floor
or frame of the vehicle. Never carry passengers in a travel
trailer or mobile home while it is being towed on a public
road. Carry passengers in a truck camper being operated
on the highway only if they are in regular passenger seats
or seats permanently mounted on the lower part of the body
of the truck camper.

Walking on the highway

If you are walking along a highway, walk facing traffic if
there is no sidewalk. Use retro-reflective material on your
clothing to make yourself visible. After dark, carry a light
and wear light-coloured or reflective clothing. In snow
conditions, wear some dark clothing.

Thumbing rides—hitchhiking
It is illegal to hitchhike!

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Driving position
You can be a better driver and have more confidence on the
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road by sitting properly. This will give you maximum control
of the steering wheel as well as the brake and gas pedals.

1 Sit up straight, with the small of your back firmly against

the seat back and cushion.

2 Adjust your seat, moving it

forward or backward until you
can place your right foot on
the floor between the brake
and gas pedal, with a slight
bend in your leg. For a manual
transmission, make the seat
adjustment using the clutch
with your left foot. When the
clutch is completely depressed,
your leg should be slightly
bent. You should not have to
use excessive force to depress
any pedal to the floor. This
should be an easy exercise if
you are seated properly. Sit Up Straight

3 Your line of vision should be half-way between the top

of the steering wheel and the top of the windshield.
Adjust the angle of the seat to support your thighs.
If you can’t adjust the seat, a seat cushion can bring you
up a few centimetres. For comfort’s sake, leave at least
a fist’s space between top of your head and the roof of
the vehicle.

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4 If the seat back is adjustable, move it so that your arms
are slightly bent when you grasp the steering wheel.
Position your hands so that your left hand is at the ten
o’clock position and your right hand is at the two o’clock
position (or nine and three position). If you find that you
are too far back in the seat, use a good quality seat-back
cushion. You could also ask your mechanic to install
a thicker rubber pad over the brake or gas pedals.

5 Head restraints are designed to support the back of

your head and to minimize whiplash. Many head
restraints are set too low to be effective. Adjust your
head restraints so that the top edge extends seven
centimetres (two to three inches) above your eye level.

Steering
Where you grasp the steering wheel will vary, depending
on its size and the width of your shoulders. Your hands
should be spaced apart and on the upper part of the
steering wheel for best control. Grasping the wheel too
tightly will cause tension in your arms, shoulders, and neck.
This can lead to fatigue, so use
a relaxed grasp. Once your hands
are in this position, do not shuffle
them around on the wheel. Keep
your grip in the same place and
simply turn the steering wheel
to steer the vehicle. Grip steering
wheel firmly at the “ten-and-
two” hand position (note that the
“nine-and-three” hand position
is also acceptable).

Hand Position

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The key to steering is to know at which steering wheel
position your front wheels are straight. When you start out,
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straighten your front wheels and place your hands in the
“ten-and-two” or “nine-and-three” position. If you do not
shift your grip, every time your hands are straight and level,
you know your front wheels are straight.

Use the hand-over-hand method to steer through sharp

turns or in emergencies. Start the turn steering to the left
or right, then take the bottom hand off the wheel. While
continuing to pull down with the top hand, put the free
hand at the top of the steering wheel, hand over hand.

Continue turning and moving the bottom hand to the top

until you have completed the turn.

When unwinding the wheel after a turn, use the hand-over-

hand method to return the front wheels to a straight
position. Don’t let the wheel slide through your hands,
as you have very little control of the speed at which it
comes back or the point at which it stops. This is especially
noticeable in front-wheel-drive vehicles, where the wheel
does not automatically return all the way.

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Safe Driving Tips
• Scan the road ahead constantly. Don’t look at any one
object for more than a few seconds at a time, and never
stare into the distance.
• Use the rearview and sideview mirrors frequently to
reduce the chance of your vehicle being hit from the rear.
• Do not block your view through the windshield or
windows. Only the official inspection sticker is allowed
at the lower driver’s corner of the windshield.
• Load your vehicle so that your view of the road
will not be blocked.
• Do not divert your attention away from the task of
driving. Eating, drinking, smoking, or using a cell phone
are examples of activities that cause inattention.
• Keep the rearview mirror free of any hanging objects
that may obstruct your vision.

Play it safe:
• Reduce your speed any time you see a situation
that might be dangerous.
• Never place your arm, head, or foot outside a moving
vehicle, except to make a hand signal. Never allow
a passenger to do so.

Starting your car

Check the vehicle owner’s manual for starting instructions.
Put the parking brake on. If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, put it in neutral. In some vehicles with
a manual transmission, the clutch must be depressed
before the engine will start. For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, shift to the “park” position. Start your vehicle.

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Accelerating
To drive smoothly, you must learn to vary your foot pressure
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on the accelerator by small amounts. It is best to accelerate
a little and wait for the vehicle to build up speed.
Pressing down on the accelerator too much can cause the
drive wheels to spin and the vehicle to skid, particularly
on slippery surfaces.

In cars with a manual transmission, you must release the

clutch until the friction point is reached. You then gradually
increase the pressure on the accelerator while releasing the
clutch completely.

Stopping and braking

The best procedure for braking is to begin early, apply light
pressure, and ease up on the brake as the vehicle comes to
a stop. Gradually increase pressure on the brake pedal to
slow more quickly. Threshold braking is a technique applying
firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Avoid locking up
the wheels. If the wheels do lock, ease off the brakes
slightly, then reapply pressure to the brake pedal.

Many newer vehicles have an antilock braking system (ABS).

This system prevents the brakes from locking. If your vehicle
has ABS, press the brake steadily and firmly. Do not pump
your brake. Do not release the brake until you have control
of the vehicle or it has stopped. A slight vibration and
pulsing noise is normal. Your vehicle owner’s manual will
provide more information about using your ABS properly.

Whenever you have a choice of braking or steering to avoid

a collision, generally it is best to use evasive steering rather
than braking. Alternatively, combine threshold braking with
steering. Steering is preferred to braking at speeds over
40 km/h because you require less distance to steer around
an object than to come to a complete stop.

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Preventing collisions
Most highway crashes are caused by driver error. The
following is a list of the most common causes of highway
crashes in Nova Scotia, in order of frequency, and what you
can do to help prevent being in an collision.

Collision Causes Solutions

Driver inattention Pay close attention to the task
of driving your vehicle. Collisions
occur in a matter of seconds.
Be ready to react immediately.

Failure to yield Share the road. Practise

right of way consideration for others.

Driver distraction Resist the temptation to become

a spectator.

Driver inexperience Follow the rules of the road.

or confusion. Signal your intention to change
positions. Sound your horn. Check
your blind spots. Make the move
gradually and only when it is safe
to do so.

Alcohol involved, Don’t drink and drive.

driver had been Pay attention and watch for
drinking. unusual driving behaviour.

Operating too fast Slow down! Adjust your speed

for conditions. to the driving conditions.

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Driving defensively
Defensive driving means being in control. Skilled drivers
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identify situations that require attention, anticipate what
other drivers might do, decide how to deal with the
situation, and safely execute a suitable course of action.

Examples: When you see children playing near the street,

anticipate that someone might come running out in front
of you. When you see the flash of a brake light coming from
a parked vehicle, anticipate that the vehicle may move to
enter traffic. Observe the speed of a vehicle approaching
an intersection and anticipate whether or not the
driver will stop.

The essence of defensive driving is to reduce your own

driving mistakes and to anticipate the mistakes of others,
both drivers and pedestrians, and guard against them.

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Avoiding highway hypnosis
Inattention tends to increase when you have been driving
for a period of time. Unintentionally you begin to scan less
and your eyes become more fixed. The motion of the
pavement, the lines, and other vehicles may begin to
“hypnotize” you. You may experience momentary lapses
of memory. Before highway hypnosis leads to a collision
you need to pull over and stop.

Here are a few tips to help prevent highway hypnosis:

• Eat modestly before a long drive. Eating a big meal will
reduce your energy level.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Tight or bulky clothing will
cause tension in your muscles over time. Tension causes
fatigue and reduces your ability to respond quickly.
• Talk with your passengers, but not to the point
of distraction.
• Safety scan continually. Looking in every direction for
potential problems is your best defence for avoiding
dangers and hazards. Be well aware of your blind spots
and check them before turning or changing lanes.
• Keep your mind active about driving by taking an interest
in all road signs and traffic around you.
• Take a one-to-two-minute walking break every hour
to refresh yourself.
• Don’t try to drive too far in one day.
• Avoid driving during your normal sleeping hours.
• Keep the temperature in your vehicle cool. If it becomes
too warm, you may get drowsy.

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Sharing the road
Throughout this manual you will find references to situations
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where traffic and pedestrians need to share the road.
Everyone’s safety depends on courtesy and consideration.
Good communication means that everyone involved
understands how each person or driver is going to react.
Safe driving comes from developing good driving skills and
learning how to share the road with others.

Alerting Other Drivers to

Your Activities
Slow-moving vehicles
You must display a slow-moving-vehicle sign at the rear
of a farm tractor, or the load hauled by the tractor, and any
other vehicle that cannot maintain a speed over 40 km/h
under normal conditions. When you see this sign, reduce Slow-moving
your speed. Vehicle Sign

Open tailgates
It is illegal to drive a commercial motor vehicle (truck) on
a highway with an tailgate open or in a horizontal position,
unless it is being used to support all or part of the load
being carried in the vehicle.

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Carrying loads
During daylight hours, display a red flag at the rear of a load
whenever the load extends more than one metre beyond the
rear of the bed or body of a vehicle. The red flag must be at
least 300 millimetres in length and width and be clearly
visible at all times.

After dark, which is half an hour after sunset to half an hour

before sunrise, display an amber or red light that is plainly
visible for 60 metres from the rear of the load.

Towing trailers
All trailers must be licensed and inspected for use on the
highway. Towing a trailer requires knowledge usually
acquired through experience. Go cautiously, keeping safety
in mind at all times. It is a good idea to practise parking and
backing before heading out onto the highway. Make certain
that the two vehicles are connected properly.
• Only commercial vehicles can tow more than
one trailer at a time.
• The draw bar or towing connection should not exceed
five metres in length or eight metres if transporting poles.
• If the connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, you
must display upon the connection a red flag or other
signal cloth (minimum size 300 sq. mm).
• Never carry people in any type of trailer, including travel
trailers, while it is being towed on the highway.
• The driver must make sure no one riding a bicycle,
coaster, roller skates, skis, toboggan, sled, or toy vehicle
holds onto the vehicle while it is being operated.

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Moving disabled vehicles
We strongly recommended that you seek professional
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towing services when moving a disabled vehicle. If you must
tow using another vehicle, display warning signals or
emergency flashers and make sure the vehicle is attached
securely. Someone must sit in the disabled vehicle and use
the brakes to keep the tow cable tight. Don’t tow vehicles
that have power braking and steering if the engine cannot
run. If the engine is disabled, braking and steering are
difficult, and towing may lead to a collision. Trying to start
a disabled vehicle by towing it is dangerous and could
damage both vehicles.

Oversized vehicles
You must have a permit to operate an oversized vehicle.
An oversized vehicle is a vehicle or combination of vehicles,
including any load, that exceeds any of the following
measurements:
• 12.5 metres in length for a single vehicle or 25 metres
for a combination of vehicles
• 14.65 metres in overall length for a trailer
• 2.6 metres total outside width
• 4.15 metres in height
• a rearview mirror extending more than 20 centimetres
on each side beyond the maximum permissible outside
vehicle width
• a load-securing device extending more than
10 centimetres on each side beyond the maximum
permissible outside vehicle width

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