As students attending post-secondary institutions begin a new school year, there is no question it will be unlike any they have experienced before, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one aspect that will not change is the level of support being provided by the New Car Dealers Association of BC to students who are pursuing a career in the automotive sector.

In addition to awards established with post-secondary schools, including Georgian College, Okanagan College, Vancouver Island University, and Coast Mountain College, support comes in the form of $10,000 in funds that are distributed via CarCareerBC and a further $55,000 in award funding that comes from interest income from an endowment fund set up through generous donations by BCs New Car Dealers, as well as fundraisers organized through the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC. And thanks to Foundation partners, Adesa Auctions and First Canadian, an additional $30,000 was raised for awards and scholarships to provide to students.

For those contemplating a career choice, imagine a job in a stable, growing industry where you get to meet new people and help them find a product that will both improve and enrich their quality of life for years to come.

There is no doubt the last several months have been tremendously challenging for many sectors, including ours. However, for those who may take pause, consider the latest report from Desrosiers Automotive that shows new light vehicle sales in August are estimated to be down only 8.9%  compared to August 2019 levels, a much better result than we have seen in recent months, and one that presents reason for optimism.

The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) represents more than 390 new car dealers that employ some 30,000 people in family supporting jobs in over 50 communities across this province. The industry also offers many opportunities for growth and career advancement. Our members are guided by industry training programs, as well as programs offered through educational organizations, to provide training for new workers.

Whether you’re just starting your career, or looking for a change, a job at a new car dealership can be both personally and financially rewarding. Dealership opportunities range from sales consultants, service technicians to accountants, marketing and administration staff – whom all share a love for engaging with people, and of course, an enthusiasm for new cars and trucks. With a wave of retirements coming in the next few years, this is a rewarding industry to consider for a career!

However, working at a new car dealer is about more than just money and career advancement. Our members and their employees are actively involved in their local communities. This includes a wide range of local charities and sports groups as well as community and service clubs, charity boards and committees. In fact, many of our members sponsor charities and organizations through cash donations and merchandise prizes.

Through our collective efforts, I have no doubt that auto companies will emerge from this experience with a renewed outlook along with a complement of enthusiastic young leaders to help carry us into the future.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

Safe Driving – Happy Labour Day Weekend

It’s that time of year when summer is coming to an end, Labour Day is upon us and that can only mean the start of the school year. Though the school year is still uncertain, it will definitely look different this year. Even still, it is never a bad time for a reminder about safe driving.

While you are stuck in traffic, reminiscing about the peaceful mornings and barbeques that are now behind you, don’t let frustrations run high or lead to hasty driving. If anything, it’s a time to exercise extra caution because it means additional cars, school buses, children and teenagers on the roads and sidewalks.

• Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, because they have a tendency to dart in or out of walkways, without first observing approaching traffic.
• Don’t roll through an intersection or a stop sign. Come to a complete stop and observe both ways before proceeding.
• Be aware of kids on bikes before making turns, check your mirrors before opening doors and keep your eyes where they belong – on the road. In school or not, kids will still be biking around!
• Put down your phone. This issue continues to remain a major contributor to accidents simply because a driver has taken his focus away from his or her primary responsibility – driving.
• Give yourself additional time to get to your destination. Speeding is often the cause of accidents so put yourself in a position to drop off kids or get to work in a timely way.
• Be a good role model for your kids when driving. They observe actions and behaviours and the last thing you want is for them to believe poor, careless or aggressive driving is acceptable.
• If you have a teen who has recently acquired a drivers’ license, take the time to sit down and reinforce some of these safe driving tips.

ICBC has a list of useful tips for students and drivers at: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/driving-guides/ so give it a read and exercise caution during this busy period because one momentary lapse in judgement can have severe consequences.

It’s been – and will continue to be – a strange year for everyone. But it’s always important to practice safe and cautious driving, so needless accidents don’t happen.

Stay safe readers!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

As we approach the final days of August and families prepare for their final road trip of the summer, it’s an opportune time to remind drivers that the rules of the road apply to every one of us.

It goes without saying that all drivers should obey the law but applying common sense and displaying a level of common courtesy are also key factors that can help keep everyone who occupies our roads and highways safe. It is in this spirit that I have prepared the following short list of driving actions that we should all be conscious of:

1. Speeding is the leading cause of accidents. Plan your trip by giving yourself plenty of time to get from point A to B, and build in time for breaks.

2. Don’t tailgate. It’s dangerous and anxiety-inducing so back off and drive at a safe distance. Likewise, give motorcycles lots of extra space because a rear-end accident can prove fatal for a motorcyclist.

3. Use the zipper method. When merging into traffic, use the zipper method to help ease congestion and driver frustrations, by combining the two lanes in a zipper like left-right-left-right.

4. Don’t Hold Up Traffic by very slowly passing other Vehicles. Pass only when you have enough speed to do so quickly and safely.

5. Stay in the right lane except when passing. No one loves being held up on the highway because another driver is camped out in the left lane doing exactly the speed limit. Move over to the right or middle lane and let faster traffic get by. Plus it’s the law in BC!

6. Use your turn signal. The turn signal is to let other drivers know in advance that you plan to merge or turn – so use it.

7. Pull Over for Emergency Vehicles Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars have ear-piercingly loud sirens and bright flashing lights. Don’t be one of those drivers who pretend not to notice. Get out of the way.

8. Yield to pedestrians. This should go without saying, but be watchful and let pedestrians cross.

9. Make room for cyclists. Give them space on the road, even if that means waiting to drive around them until oncoming traffic subsides.

10. Curb Your Road Rage. We all have places to go and mistakes happen, so take a deep breath. At the same time, thank helpful drivers in traffic with a wave. That sort of recognition shows goodwill and might encourage them to be more courteous in the future.

There are obviously other actions that have legal and serious safety implications and are absolute no-no’s for drivers. Don’t drive after consuming drugs or alcohol. Don’t use your electronic device or phone when behind the wheel. And, don’t ever leave kids or pets unattended inside a hot vehicle.

As we approach the Labour Day Weekend, there are areas of the province that remain hot spots for fire activity so please don’t carelessly discard cigarettes. Check your route ahead for areas with possible construction or fire fighting activity. DriveBC is a helpful resource (https://www.drivebc.ca/).

Let’s be calm, considerate and enjoy the last gasp of summer by enjoying the road – spending quality time with friends and family, and most importantly, staying safe.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

During the hot summer days, we take steps to protect ourselves from the heat and the negative effects of exposure to the sun. In the same manner, the hot summer weather can take a toll on your car or truck, from the paint right down to the tires, unless you take steps to protect your vehicle.

Much like we protect our skin by applying sunscreen and avoiding too much direct sunlight, the body paint of a vehicle is what suffers the most, if subjected to extended UV exposure. So, park under cover or in shade, when possible, during the daytime heat of the summer months. Additionally, using wax and polish with UV protection can help reduce damage. With leather vehicles, regular cleaning and conditioning of the leather adds further protection from UV damage and if you have cloth seats, a variety of fabric guard products are available. Window tinting can also be helpful in keeping your vehicle cooler as well as blocking UV rays.

Investing in sunshades is a great option to keep you cooler when you get behind the wheel and also protects your dash and other areas of your interior from sun damage. Likewise, a good trick for cooling your car faster during an unbearably hot day is to roll down the windows and wait a few minutes, so that the car’s interior temperature is the same as outside, and then switch the AC on. This technique significantly reduces the amount of time taken by the AC to cool the cabin.

The heat in the summer is bound to double the temperature under the hood of your car which is one of the most common causes for a vehicle to break down. Giving your coolants a routine checkup and being aware of the fluid levels can prevent this. However, remember NEVER open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot!
Excess heat can reduce battery life and lead to overcharging which can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your battery. In order to avoid this damage, regularly detach the cables and wipe off the terminals – and make sure the battery is strapped down tightly and all connections are secure. If you still suspect your battery is being overcharged or not holding a charge, take it to your dealer where they can run a quick battery inspection.

As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your vehicle tires expands, so check your tire pressure on a regular basis when the tires are at a normal temperature. The recommended tire pressure should be noted in your owner’s manual.
And finally, if you and your family are embarking on a summer road-trip you may want to schedule a service appointment with your new car dealership. It will ensure any potential problems are identified and addressed in advance, giving you peace of mind so you can simply enjoy your travels, wherever they may take you.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

British Columbia continues to have a leadership role in electric vehicle (EV) sales. It is the result of a positive partnership between new car dealers and the province, one that has collectively encouraged and supported increasing adoption of EVs among consumers.

As of late last year, there were 30,000 EV’s on the road in the province and I expect to see this number continue to increase over the coming years, as more and more consumers are looking to go green.

Through the CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program (formerly CEVforBC), the NCDA has worked with the government to create incentives and competition between dealerships across the province to determine who can reach the highest level of sales of clean energy vehicles, across all brands. The focal point of the partnership is the CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program which provides a point of sale purchase incentive on new clean energy vehicles – and is successfully administered by the NCDA and its members.

Much of this increase in purchasing of EV’s in the province can be attributed to the great incentive programs we have adopted through CleanBC. These incentive programs have now been widened to include more BC businesses that may want to go green.

Last week the government sent out a news release encouraging more businesses to continue the fight to a greener province and encouraged them to go electric with their vehicle fleets, as they announced an additional $2 million in funding through the CleanBC Speciality-Use Vehicle Incentive.

Through the program, government is making cleaner options more affordable and aim to increase the use of EV’s in how people get around not only personally, but with their businesses.

Eligible specialty-use vehicles include electric passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles, motorcycles, low-speed utility trucks, and heavy-duty transport trucks. Rebates range from $1,700 to $50,000 per vehicle and are available for businesses, local and regional governments, and non-profit organizations that are purchasing five or fewer vehicles.

It is a fantastic move by CleanBC to further incentivize consumers and businesses to take a step in the right direction and work towards a cleaner future. The program supports businesses and fleets in adopting specialty-use electric vehicles.

One of the most notable businesses that has already taken part in the incentive program is Harbour Seaplanes, who have purchased a fully electric, zero-emission passenger shuttle bus to use to drop off and pick passengers up around Vancouver. It’s a great step in the right direction and I hope to see more companies follow suite!

Stay safe and be kind, everyone!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

The weather in BC is finally heating up and for many drivers that means getting out and about to enjoy the glorious summer we have here in B.C.

But before you get your car revved up for some summer fun, you should familiarize yourself with a few preventative measures to keep it from overheating. By this I’m not referring to the engine, but rather the inside of the vehicle, which can feel like an oven after sitting in the sun for long periods of time.

If you don’t have access to a garage when parking your vehicle for the day, or even a few hours, try to find a shady area. It may mean walking a bit further to your destination but getting into a car that has been sitting in hot weather can sometimes feel like you’re being cooked alive.

I know it may seem like a good idea to leave the windows rolled down to air out your vehicle as you go to run a quick errand, but it’s important to always lock your vehicle doors and close the windows, even if you’re gone for just a couple of minutes. A couple of minutes is all it takes for theft to occur. Instead, utilize the window visors to block the sun’s rays. If you’re looking for even more protection, buy a sunshade to cover your window. They’re relatively inexpensive and you can find ones to block not only the front windshield, but also the side and back windows, for good measure.

If you want to avoid that feeling of a hot seat when you get back into your car – especially ones with vinyl or leather interiors – consider throwing a towel or blanket across them while you’re away. Another trick is to place a small towel on the steering wheel, which will keep your hands from having to grasp a hot surface when you’re ready to drive off.

It’s also a good idea to keep precious items in the car out of the sun, such as electronic devices or food items that could easily melt and potentially stain the interior. Consider placing these items in the trunk or take them with you when you leave the vehicle.

Plan ahead to have some extra water in the car with you at all times, especially in the summer months. The hydration could come in handy in the event of a breakdown or any other unexpected event on the road.

Finally, make sure not to leave any pets in a heated car (or kids, but that should really go without saying). Every summer there are heartbreaking stories of animals left unattended in stuffy, overheated cars with the windows rolled up. When you take your pet to the beach, and want to stop for coffee or lunch along the way, be sure to take him with you even if it’s “just for a minute.” Even with the windows cracked, temperatures in a hot car can multiply in just a few minutes, which is the same amount of time it would take for you to tie his leash up outside in a shady area.

As always, have fun, stay cool and be safe!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

The latest national new vehicle sales report by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants provide both some encouraging news, but also underlines some of the challenges the automotive sector faces as it continues to navigate its way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest vehicle sales report reveals that June saw both a relative improvement in the national sales picture but some wild swings in provincial performances.

While total year to date national sales are down 34.2 percent from last year, BC sales are slightly better off, down about 33 percent– but given the significant hit the sector took when the pandemic emerged, the results are encouraging. It’s an upward trend we hope to see continue over the next several months.

The online publication Driving.ca recently released a list of Canada’s top ten best-selling vehicles. The results show that even a pandemic does not slow the sale of pickup trucks, SUVs and Crossover Utility Vehicles in this country. According DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, large pickups actually accounted for 19.1 percent of total light vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2019 and this grew to 23.1 percent amidst the lockdowns of the second quarter of 2020. Small pickups presented a perhaps even more remarkable story with their share rising from 2.1 percent to 3.5 percent.

Each of Canada’s four top-selling vehicles in the first half of the year were full size pickup trucks. This is a departure from the pre-recession era of 2008 when compact cars were the top selling models in the market. Full-size pickup trucks are actually on track to sell more than 100,000 extra units than in 2009.

In the first half of 2020, out of Canada’s 10 best-selling vehicles only two were cars. Let’s take a look at some of the vehicles that make this year’s top ten list. The Honda CR-V sold 17,661 units in the first half of 2020. This vehicle is a testament to the popularity of vehicles that are built in Canada. The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling Honda vehicles, known for its well-balanced ride and capable powertrain.

The Toyota Rav4 is another clear favourite amongst Canadian consumers, which managed to sell 20,596 units so far this year. This puts the vehicle on a clear track towards a fifth consecutive year as Canada’s top-selling SUV/crossover.

The vehicles in the top four spots are all excellent pickup trucks, with the Ford F-Series taking the leading spot. They sold 56,466 units – down just 25 percent, compared to the vehicle in the tenth spot being down 51 percent. The vehicle is still on track for a calendar year in excess of 100,000 sales – a feat no other vehicle line has accomplished in Canada. 2020 is on track to be the 12^th consecutive year in which the F-Series snagged the number one position.

It is likely that the COVID economic recovery process is going to take time and will be gradual. A number of auto makers are adjusting and providing various ways to help reduce any buying anxiety consumers may be experiencing. It comes in the form of purchase incentives, payment relief or lease payment extensions – make sure to do some research to establish what particular purchase arrangements may work best for you.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

By definition, disruption is rarely invited, and is almost always forced upon us unexpectedly. Usually it’s in the form of some kind of evolution that forces substantial change or innovation – but no established industry is likely ever prepared for disruption of the kind that has occurred as a result of COVID-19.

In the span of several months, the global pandemic has presented each and every one of us with new challenges, producing economic, political, and social disruptions many of us have never experienced. It’s changed the way we live and work – upending entire industries, including the automotive sector.

This new reality has changed, perhaps forever, the car buying experience – by hastening the transition of car dealerships into the digital landscape and resulting in a significant change to the way people approach purchasing a new vehicle. However, as many are already well accustomed to making purchases online, this new business model presents unique and exciting opportunities for prospective buyers.

In a business known for its personal interaction, the pandemic forced many dealerships to re-adjust their business models. As we have moved into late spring and early summer, more dealers moved to home delivery and virtual appointments – and there are many who would suggest home delivery, over time will become part of the new normal.
As the health and safety of our customers has always been a key foundational pillar of our industry, direct store-to-door services offer dealers a chance to connect with new customers virtually, thus providing the same stellar service they would find when they walk through our doors. It puts the buyer in the driver’s seat with transparent pricing and more options to browse and consider, all from the comfort of their homes. Those dealers who don’t adapt will be forced to play catch-up while much of the industry has already taken the necessary steps forward.

Mike Stollery, Chairman of our federal association, CADA, suggests the sector has “moved more in the last 10 weeks than we have in the past 10 years.” He also suggests, because customers are at home where they are relaxed, the car buying experience is less stressful. Buyers who may have previously felt some degree of apprehension can now enjoy the thrill of purchasing a new car in a way that suits their individual needs. And perhaps even in their pajamas.

In some jurisdictions, home deliveries have shot up from less than 5% of new-vehicle sales to nearly a quarter of all sales. Certainly this presents a challenge to dealerships who serve rural or more remote locations, but it’s a new reality we all need to adapt to.

In British Columbia, we have been fortunate to be guided by sound, strategic health care leadership – and it’s a credit to the people of this province who have to a large extent cooperated by following health guidelines and demonstrated patience during such a difficult period.

Today, signs of recovery are visible but with it there are also cautions about further turbulence given the volatile nature of the pandemic in many areas of the world. The ever-changing situation underscores the need for automotive companies and as a result, dealers, to remain nimble – while also remaining vigilant in ensuring sanitization and physical distancing are adhered to in their environment.

Obviously consumer confidence and the economy are inextricably linked, and both remain challenged, at least for the foreseeable future.

Through our collective efforts, I have no doubt that auto companies will emerge from this experience with a fresh set of ideas and a new outlook to carry into the future. Of course, in the coming months we’ll have a better idea of how this will look long term, but change is a part of life. And for our creative industry professionals, it’s one we’ll embrace with open arms going forward.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

Segments of the Market Showing Signs of Improvement

I have said this many times before, but it remains important to reiterate. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on a wide range of things in the lives of so many. It has been a challenging time, and at moments it may seem hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The same can be said for the devastating impact that has been felt on the economy – and the auto industry has been no exception.

According to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, Canadian light vehicle sales were down 74.6% in April and 44% in May. It was hard to see such a decrease in sales during that period. However, we were excited to see that June saw the release of some pent-up demand in the market and we were only down 16.2% for the month with an estimated 155,439 units sold.

There is still plenty of uncertainty in the months to come, but for the time being we have finally seen a positive in the bleak market. It is also interesting to see how consumer preferences have shifted over the past few months.

DesRosiers showcases a few brand-level points of note for the first half of 2020. Year-to-date sales at Kia fell 24.6%, which was the smallest decrease among reporting brands. General Motors also saw a relatively strong performance (down only 26.1%), which pushed the company within a few thousand units of Ford – who is currently in the position of sales volume leader.

It is also important to share some changes in the types of vehicles that consumers are purchasing. Large pickups accounted for 19.1% of total light vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2019 and this share grew to 23.1% in the second quarter of 2020 – even amongst all of the uncertainty.

Small pickups presented an uplifting story with their share rising from 2.1% to 2.5%. SUV’s also saw a market increase from 45.3% to 47.1%, but the performance among specific segments was somewhat mixed.

The luxury side of the market, which includes passenger cars and light trucks, performed well – seeing an increase of 11.5% from 11.2%. This development is especially interesting, considering luxury sales can be especially sensitive to economic downturns.

Though the market is certainly not all sunshine and rainbows at the moment, it is refreshing to see that we are getting our sales back so quickly in these times that continue to be uncertain. I can only hope that these sales continue in an upward trend.

And again, I am proud of the work that has been done in BC through the pandemic and beyond. Our industry has proved to be resilient and helped their communities by giving back during these challenging times.

Continue to stay safe and be kind, everyone.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

As British Columbia adjust to the current Phase 3 of the province’s Restart Plan, we are beginning to see more and more of what the new normal looks like.

In the midst of what is typically the peak vehicle sales season, we are starting the slow return to some level of normalcy and recovery. In April, we saw new vehicle sales numbers crater by over 70 percent, but thankfully over the past two months we are slowly starting to see an increase in sales.

It is no secret that the past few months have been an extremely difficult time for virtually all business sectors, including automotive. While the vast majority of dealers kept their service and parts departments open to continue essential repairs and maintenance work, revenue from those crucial departments has been nowhere close to what is typical.

Now, as we move forward, consumers have made it even more clear that they want service providers they can trust, that can make them feel safe and offer support when so much seems to be overwhelming. As a result, we need to remain vigilant and continue to provide a safe, welcoming environment.

During this time, we are seeing many businesses and corporations reaching out – not in marketing or overt attempts to gain a competitive edge, but to offer genuine support. Initiatives that include payment relief and credit support may be critical for customers in the short term, and the impact will build positive relationships that are bound to last long after the crisis has ended. It makes me relieved to see so much good come out of a very challenging situation.

Customers’ normal patterns of life have shifted remarkably in the last few months. Simple activities like a trip to the grocery store or dining out with friends have been impacted. As a result, digital delivery has become a necessity for many customers, even among the most “digitally resistant” customers. In our world, companies that can make a positive impact by picking up and dropping off vehicles for repair and maintenance will have a positive impact. The same applies to dealers that can increasingly offer customers a choice of how much or little of the car searching, car appraising and car buying process they want to conduct online. I am thrilled to see so many dealers adapting to these needs to ensure safety for customers and employees alike.

The COVID-19 crisis will end at some point and while consumer preferences and business models will likely outlast the immediate crisis, it’s important to recognize that as they become acclimatized to new digital and remote models of service, it will accelerate behavior shifts that were already underway before the crisis.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

Though summer officially started on June 20, we’re only just starting to see some hot weather here in BC. However, this isn’t always just fun and games! In the dog days of summer, as temperatures rise, traffic increases and drivers need to fight the temptation to drive aggressively.

So how do you counter the heat and frustration and not let it get under your skin?

Condition yourself to the reality that there are some things in your control and others that you have no control over.

We all have our favorite summer destinations, and suffering through traffic jams is the price we gladly pay for getting there. So, plan your route in advance by checking out DriveBC.ca for the latest information on driving conditions, any construction projects that may create delays and weather conditions – and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

If traveling with the family and/or young ones, carve out time for meals or a visit to a local attraction to break up the monotony of a long trip. Remember to check what is open and what is not – as many restrictions still apply, even in Phase 3 of the BC re-opening plan.

Congested roads make for harder driving conditions and greater potential for aggressive driving and road rage. Likewise, vacationing drivers are often unfamiliar with the roads, which can lead to erratic or unpredictable decisions, so in both cases, give them a wide berth. Though there may not be as many vacationers this year, due to international travel restrictions, it is still something to be mindful of.

We all know that when the summer mood kicks in, we want to drive faster and enjoy the wind, but this rush of adrenaline comes at the great cost of endangering the lives of those around us. Use caution and observe speed limits.

When driving in your own community during the hot summer months, it’s easy to lose your cool as other drivers may cut you off or duck into a parking stall ahead of you. Keep your cool. Take a deep breath – because an accident or potential altercation isn’t worth it.

When you park your vehicle, make sure to take your kids or pets along. Even a few minutes can turn a locked car into a sauna. The vast majority of vehicular heatstroke victims are three-years of age or younger and this is the time of year when adults need to be extra vigilant.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record to those who read these columns on a regular basis, please exercise caution during these hot months when the forest fire danger becomes extreme – and butt out cigarettes appropriately.

Summer is definitely meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, but with a little planning and caution, it should also be safe for everyone.

Have fun, be calm and stay safe out there!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

The Canada Day weekend – that time of year when families from coast to coast celebrate everything that makes this country the best place on earth. And even though things may look a lot different this year, many families will still come together to celebrate in a way that is safe and cautious.

As we have entered phase 3 of reopening, many British Columbians will be looking at traveling a bit farther in the province than previously allowed. Canada Day will involve driving to visit family or embarking on the first road trip of the summer. But in all the excitement of the holiday weekend, and the various sights and sounds that can serve as distractions, be extra cautious when traveling on our roadways. Plan ahead to ensure your journey is a positive one.

The following may appear obvious, but serve as important reminders:

• Make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Have it inspected by your local dealer’s service shop if it hasn’t been for a while. Replace fluids, if needed. Inspect tires and don’t forget to inspect your spare tire.
• Pack lots of snacks and drinks/water.
• Plan your route in advance to avoid unnecessary kilometres and frustration.
• Reduce or eliminate distractions like cell phones.
• Take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery!

Warm weather brings a greater number of road construction projects across the province, each of which involve inherent safety risks – for drivers, cyclists and road construction crew members. As much as road construction delays may be frustrating, give yourself extra time to get to your destination, research alternative routes or plan your schedule around periods when traffic may not be at its maximum. Furthermore, pay close attention to the speed limits in construction zones and use common sense and consideration in a construction area where flag-personnel and other work crew members are simply trying to do their jobs.

If traveling in rural or remote areas of the province, be aware that wildlife is typically more abundant in the summer as their young become more mobile and more likely to join their parents when crossing the road to find new habitat or food.

Cyclists can be an unpredictable element that drivers will encounter more often during the summer. While the expectation may be that cyclists will use hand signals or follow the general rules of the road, that isn’t always the case, so give them plenty of space and observe them with caution. Likewise, when sharing the road with motorcyclists, know that they don’t have the same ability to brake as quickly as you can in a vehicle, so give them lots of space as well.

There are some useful websites such as DriveBC.ca that can be of great assistance in route planning. If driving plans include mountain passes, please prepare for all forms of conditions, given the snowfall at higher elevations only days ago. That aside, summer is the time to create great memories for you and your loved-ones – so make it a holiday long weekend worth remembering for all the right reasons.

Please also be aware of the existing forest fire danger and do not toss your cigarette butts – dispose of them appropriately.

And one final reminder – while you’re enjoying your Canada Day and Canada Day weekend, remember to listen to government health officials and the distance of travel that is recommended.

Have a Happy and Safe Canada Day!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]