Hi-Way Registries Gives out Road Safety Tips

Hi-Way Registries Gives out Road Safety Tips

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Cheryl Jebb is the Owner of Hi-Way Registries in Vegreville. She knows all of the ins and outs of the motor vehicle industry and recently shared invaluable information when it comes to driving, and highlighted some of the current challenges and common road safety issues.

“Some common challenges that drivers face when it comes to road safety are what we have been seeing a lot of is cell phone use. Now that they implicated merit points for distracted driving which can also include drinking coffee or other habits, I believe the fine went up to almost $300 and three demerit points. So, there are some drivers who have lost their licence because of demerit points because of cell phone use.

“The advice I would give young drivers is don’t be on your cell phone and don’t speed. If you do any of these things and get a cell phone ticket, we heard from the insurance company that they can double to triple your premium from that ticket alone.

Also, people need to pay attention when they are driving. RCMP can go right beside you when you are on the road to see exactly what you are doing. They can look right inside your vehicle and they are checking.

But I also find the pedestrians have very poor habits too. I watched a pedestrian crossing the street and they don’t always look to see if a vehicle is coming and they just keep walking.

Another challenge has been that it’s harder to do road tests this summer because of the roads blocked off because of the construction.

The other safety issue is the light by the crosswalk on 5046-50 Avenue. I find this dangerous as people don’t slow down on this highway and they drive 70 to 80 km an hour. I understand that an ambulance has to speed but there is a lot of RCMP going to a scene and the school is close by and a child could get hit. Drivers need to slow down until they pass the crosswalk.”

Jebb said soon they will be able to offer driver training, and that will be a great asset to the community.

Jebb said the two most common driver’s licences people get are the Class 5 GDL Basic and Class 5 Advanced. “Drivers go from the first step which is a Class 7 Learners to a Class 5 Basic. They have to be two years in a probationary period in a Class 5 and then after this, they can take an advanced road test and become a full Class 5 driver,” Jebb said.

Jebb went on to say they don’t have any statistics but mainly the people going for their Class 5 are usually from 16 years old to 18. “Generally people from 18-24 take the advanced test. You don’t have to get off of your basic Class 5 licence, you can stay as a GDL driver. If people take the advanced road test, the advantages are they are eligible to upgrade to a commercial licence. Another advantage is people have less demerit points with a basic Class 5 licence. A basic licence is only allowed eight demerit points and full class 5 is 15. Also when you are in the basic, you have zero alcohol tolerance. If the RCMP can smell alcohol in your vehicle, they can pull you over.