Retired Police Sergeant Bob Paterson works with The McLennan Group Insurance Inc. to develop and share practical, economical safety tips for Canadians 50-plus. To read and print more safety tips, and to view Sergeant Bob’s appearance schedule, visit SeniorSafetyTips.ca.
Senior Safety Tip of the Month - May 2021
COVID-19 Reminder for License Plate and Driver’s License Renewals
It is mandatory for all drivers to keep three documents current and available for inspection by a police officer during a traffic stop or collision investigation; a valid insurance certificate, vehicle registration / ownership, and driver’s license.
To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to check your license plate and driver’s license expiry dates, and be aware of when steps should be taken to renew. The good news is, an in-person visit to your provincial services office is typically not required.
In most provinces, COVID-19 protocols can be followed by renewing your license plates and driver’s license online, with the plate stickers and permanent driver’s license arriving by mail. In Ontario for example, online renewal provides a temporary driver’s license that can be printed and carried while awaiting your permanent version.
If your current license plates and driver’s license are not suspended, expired for greater than 12 months or cancelled, and if you have no outstanding fines, then online renewal is straightforward and safe. So respect COVID-19 protocols and avoid the annoying line-ups by renewing online whenever possible.
Senior Safety Tips COVID-19 Update
STAY ALERT - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scam Alerts
It’s unfortunate, but from counterfeit PPE offerings to fraudulent COVID-19 surveys and test results, and the too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities, the scammers are everywhere. Sergeant Bob can help guide seniors through this period of instability and high risk. Please share and remember these scam prevention tips:
- C - Computer / email crime. These forms of e-crime are rampant. If you’re feeling confused, pressured or rushed - delete it! – To learn more, read Sergeant Bob’s E-Crime Review.
- O - Online COVID-19 surveys. The vast majority are scams designed to gather personal information. Ignore or delete them.
- V - Volunteering or donating? Do research to ensure organizations are legitimate before sharing personal / bank information.
- I - Investing. Investing in this time is high risk. Scammers recognize agitation, desperation, confusion. Do your research and never allow yourself to be rushed into making a decision.
- D - Drugs, treatments, equipment, supplies & advice. Must come only from your established, reputable health care providers.
Senior Safety Tips COVID-19 Update
STAY ALERT - How COVID-19 Is Affecting Traffic Behaviour!
It first appeared that any COVID-19 impacts on traffic patterns would be minor and brief. Health guidelines now show our return to normal must be gradual and strategic. So let’s look at current traffic trends that will likely be with us for months ahead.
- Lower traffic volume means more speeders. Be vigilant and watch your own speed. When blending with traffic, assume others are exceeding the speed limit. It can be difficult to judge the speed of an approaching vehicle, especially at a busy intersection.
- Current pedestrian behaviour at intersections and crosswalks is entirely new to us. Where groups or clusters were the norm, we now see long, physically distanced “conga lines”. Drivers must be careful to double check before proceeding or turning.
- Physical distancing has pedestrians frequently stepping off the sidewalk and onto the road. Maybe not a huge issue when vehicle volume is low, but be careful when traffic flow returns to normal. Remind your children and grandchildren that getting too close to someone during our health crisis is not a good idea, but stepping into traffic can be far worse.
Drivers of all ages must be extra vigilant. Current pandemic-related driver and pedestrian behaviours - compounded by increased mental distractions - will be with us for months, not weeks. To review more safe driving tips from Sergeant Bob, click here.
Senior Safety Tips COVID-19 Update
Respect Disabled Parking Spots: “I was only there for a minute” doesn’t just cut it!
Because of COVID-19, you’ll likely see changes to parking lots and signage as we adapt to pedestrian access, physical distancing, cart sanitizing, barriers, etc. Let’s take care of those who need our assistance whether it’s inside the building or in the parking area.
It should go without saying that the designated parking spots and disabled permits are intended to minimize discomfort and risk to individuals dealing with a temporary or permanent health issue. And yet, some drivers without the legitimate permit routinely use the spots marked for disabled parking.
- If you have a legitimate parking permit, ensure that it is CLEARLY DISPLAYED so there’s no confusion or argument.
- STAY OUT of the spots designated for disabled parking unless you are authorized to use them.
When the appropriate charge is laid by police or bylaw officer, the common response is “But I was only in the spot for a minute”. This excuse is of no interest to the person laying the charge or to the person with a disability circling the parking lot in frustration.
