Saturday, July 1, 2017, is Canada Day, and this year is an especially exciting celebration as Canada is turning 150 this year. In 1867, four provinces united to form Canada, and Canadians everywhere will be celebrating by participating in parades, festivals, and other displays of Canadian pride. Many cities put on their own fireworks shows and individuals will use sparklers and smaller fireworks as well. Many workers also have this day off as it is a statutory holiday.
You can engage in many festivities without compromising your safety. Use the following tips to have a safe and happy Canada Day for 2017!
Staying Safe with Fireworks this Canada Day
Attending a pre-planned fireworks display instead of creating your own will significantly decrease your chances of being injured this Canada Day. Be sure to also keep a safe distance between you and the launch point, even if you are at a professional display. Allowing the professionals plenty of room to work will decrease serious problems for everyone.
If you purchase fireworks for your own use, you should be sure that the fireworks comply with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) safety standards. Every firework should indicate that it has gone through safety testing on the packaging. Do not make your own fireworks—they can be extremely dangerous!
You should also know the local laws regarding fireworks before your start your own show. Be sure that your fireworks can legally be used in your area, even before your buy.
The potential for fires also increases when you dispose of fireworks as well. It is a good idea to soak fireworks in water before you throw them away to avoid trash fires. Even sparklers can remain hot for a long time after use, which can cause burns, particularly for children. Set them aside or put them in water right after use to avoid injuries.
Staying Safe as a Pedestrian
Canada Day often means traveling as a pedestrian. Roads are often closed off to accommodate for various local celebrations. However, just because festivities are in progress does not mean that basic pedestrian safety should go out the window.
Pedestrians should still take care to:
- Follow posted traffic signs and signals and adhere to walk/don’t walk signs
- Use crosswalks whenever possible
- Avoid crossing the street when traffic is moving; wait until traffic has stopped
- Wear light-coloured clothing to help drivers see you at dusk or in the dark
Driving Safety on Canada Day
Never, never drive while intoxicated. Designate a friend to take you home or take a taxi. You not only risk your own life when you get behind the wheel while drunk, but you also risk the lives of everyone around you. You can also face criminal liability as well.
Be particularly careful to practice defensive driving on Canada Day. Leave extra space for drivers and keep an eye out for pedestrians. As there will likely be more traffic than usual, you should be sure to avoid distracted driving. Leave your phone out of reach and deal with navigation or other electronics before you begin to drive.
Be sure to give our team a call to discuss your legal options if you are involved in any type of accident on Canada Day. Our personal injury hotline is available 24/7: 1-800-567-HURT.
From all of us here at Diamond and Diamond, we hope you have a safe and happy Canada Day!