It’s no secret that rain leads to an upsurge in the number of accidents for cars and pedestrians.
The best one can do in this case of one is lean on their safety training. The Canadian Red Cross emergency first aid course by Metro Safety Training is particularly helpful for assessing damage in the case of injuries.
Even then, when it comes to safety, prevention is just as important as preparation. Here are five ways that you can minimize the possibility of them happening.
Wear Proper Shoes
The rainy season, or any time that the ground is wet, is not the occasion to prioritize your look, especially not while you’re walking around.
Make sure you’re wearing closed shoes that have a firm grip on the ground. If necessary, pop your heels or dress shoes into a weatherproof bag and slip them on once you arrive at your destination.
The added bonus is that your shoes will be dry once you arrive. Your first aid course might help you save a life, but it won’t save wet suede.
Carry A Flashlight
Rainclouds bring darkness and rainfall brings limited visibility. The first rule of fall protection is remaining vigilant. But you can’t watch where you step if you can’t see the ground, or if puddles are covering large parts of it. A flashlight will help you navigate puddles and inclines, and avoid walking directly into another person.
Be Wary of Thresholds
As you reach the threshold, it may seem like you’re stepping out of harm’s way, but don’t let your guard down just yet. The entrance of a home or building is where (considerate) people stop to wipe their feet. You won’t see a puddle here, but the ground is almost definitely slick with muddy rainwater. An uneven footing could lead to a nasty spill down your front steps.
Drive Slowly and Carefully
Keep in mind the decreased visibility, especially at night time. Driving in rainy weather can lead to hydroplaning. This is when the vehicle begins to glide on the water, and the tires no longer grip the road surface properly. Difficulty seeing what’s ahead of you, combined with a delayed reaction on your part and the car’s, could have dire consequences.
Skip the cruise control and drive like you have all the time in the world.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Inadequate tire pressure will hinder your car’s ability to maintain its hold on the ground. If your ability to be safe on the road is already compromised, make sure you have your tires professionally checked before taking the vehicle out in a storm.
Having emergency first aid training won’t help you if you’re the one who needs it. Keep yourself shielded from danger, for yourself and for others.
Metro Safety Training offers the BC occupational first aid level 1 course designed to help students prevent accidents, but also to react with a clear mind. If you’d like to be even further qualified, OFA courses go up to level 3. We have training for every lifestyle and every job. We even have a forklift training school! if you think you might benefit from our courses, check out our schedule or call us at 604-521-4227.
