“Basically, if you’re doing anything other than driving - you’re distracted.”

        - Constable Clint Stibbe of the Toronto police’s traffic services.

Truer words have never been spoken - and yet we still don’t get it.

Here’s the legal definition of distracted driving, as noted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police:

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada, an average of four people are killed each day in crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs. 

When we are driving, we often forget that we're operating a 3,000-pound missile - and it only takes one second to lose your focus and concentration at the wheel to make a life-altering mistake.

So with the legalization of cannabis set to take force in Canada on October 17^th, there have already been major strides in how law enforcement will handle this.

Canada is a country of limited summer where it can go by in the blink of an eye. Cottages provide the quintessential escape to disconnect and unwind – but not everyone has access to these getaways.

For many Canadians, the solution is to rent a cottage for a weekend, month or even a whole summer. While it seems pretty turnkey, there are a handful of things to be aware of before you can get off the grid. 

There is something truly magnificent about spending time in cottage country during the summer. Whether you’re looking to just escape the city, reconnect with nature or spend some time with friends, cottages are an iconic part of summer in Canada. Too often, however, cottage trips can be dangerous.

From dangerous interactions with wildlife to boating accidents, there are many ways that injuries happen. And especially if you get too caught up in the good times mixed in with some alcohol, sometimes we don’t always think rationally.

 For all drivers in Ontario, regardless of vehicle, a basic set of medical standards must be met. These are requirements, by law, to operate a motor vehicle in the province. They are outlined by Ontario Regulations, which states drivers must not:

Few things are as synonymous with summer in Canada as a road trip. With city and country close by, Kitchener-Waterloo is in a prime position for road trips. With all the details to plan on everything from destination to snacks, road trip safety can get lost in the excitement.

Being safe on a summer road trip, however, can reduce risk of personal injury for yourself and your fellow travellers. Safety can keep your road trip a fun experience and ensure your lasting memories are entirely positive.

Here are some safety tips to consider on your next great Canadian road trip.

We’re passionate about building a safe community in Kitchener-Waterloo. It’s important to know what our responsibilities as citizens are and when to report a problem. By being informed and acting correctly, we are choosing to become responsible citizens. Further, we are contribution, individual by individual, to building a better Kitchener-Waterloo.

In the spirit of good neighbourliness, here’s a helpful guide to safety in our community.

Backyard Pools

Distracted driving is fast becoming an important topic for auto safety, personal injury law and everyone that gets behind the wheel of a car. With this topic dominating the headlines and the increasing rise in fatalities, it’s important to define what actually constitutes distracted driving, as well as what the law says about it - because the consequences of distracted driving are real.

Slip and fall accidents aren’t just reserved for the wintertime; hazardous conditions can arise during the warmer months when the winterkill of the cold wreaks havoc to grounds and sidewalks everywhere. If you fall on a public property and sustain injuries – the city may be liable. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the typical grounds for making a claim?

No one is ever really prepared for an accident. Even if you manage to expect the unexpected, the wake of tragedy can impose a world of emotional, financial, physical and psychological stress on you and your loved ones. When an accident happens, you don’t need to shoulder the burden alone – it’s important to take advantage of the circle of support resources at your disposal.