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Transport Canada is the Canadian federal government agency responsible for road safety, although each province or territory has the authority to establish its own traffic and safety laws. For detailed information on
road conditions throughout Canada, as well as links to provincial government web sites, please see the Transport Canada website at http://www.tc.gc.ca or the Canadian Automobile Association web site at
http://www.caa.ca. There are typically 3,000 vehicle-related fatalities in Canada each year. All forms of public transportation in Canada are generally excellent.
Driving in Canada most distances and speeds,
are posted in kilometers per hour, and some signs, particularly in Quebec, may be in French. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit in Canada is 50km/hr in cities and 80km/hr on highways. On rural
highways, the posted speed limit may be 100km/hr (approximately 60 miles/hr). Seat belt use is mandatory for all passengers, and child car seats must be used for children under 40 pounds. Some provinces require
drivers to keep their headlights on during the day. Motorcycles cannot share a lane, and safety helmets for drivers and passengers are mandatory. In Quebec, it is prohibited to turn right on red. As in the United
States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911. Plan your road trip ahead of time make your hotel reservations online with Hotel Canada.
Driving
while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offense. Penalties are heavy, and any prior conviction (no matter how long ago or how minor the infraction) is grounds for exclusion from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be
obtained from Canadian consulates in the United States, but it requires several weeks to process. It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon or the Northwest
Territories. Police may confiscate radar detectors, whether in use or not, and may impose substantial fines.
Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and ice that make road conditions hazardous.
Some roads and bridges are subject to periodic closings during winter. The Canadian Automobile Association ) has tips for winter driving in Canada. Drivers should be aware that the frequency with which motorists run
red lights is a serious concern throughout Canada, and motorists are advised to pause before proceeding when a light turns green. Travelers should also be cautious of deer, elk, and moose while driving at night in
rural areas. Holiday periods can be dangerous because of increased traffic.
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