Vehicle safety

How to prevent auto theft
Distracted driving
Driving in inclement weather
References

How to prevent auto theft

More than 1,500 thieves will break into Vancouver cars per year, some as quickly as 30 seconds. These thieves are after items they can quickly resell such as laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras or jewellery, and the car itself. The sight of a single bag or knapsack could be just the invitation a thief needs to break into your car.

Where you park could prevent vehicle theft. Here are some tips to consider:

Stay away from areas or parking lots that contain broken glass - an indication that a car was recently broken into and thieves are or have been working in the area. It could also indicate that the lot is not regularly maintained or monitored. Do you really want to take the chance?
Signs of graffiti are also indicative of an unsecure area. This boils down to the fact that if someone can spray paint a wall without getting caught, it's also very likely that they can break into your car undetected.
Metered parking lots tell thieves how much time they have to break into your car before you return.
Don't leave valuables or even bags in your vehicle.

It's not just new and expensive vehicles that are subject to auto theft; older vehicles are vulnerable as well, particularly because they aren't equipped with the latest anti-theft devices. Vehicles built in Canada after 2007 are equipped with anti-theft engine immobilizers, but even these devices can be bypassed. There are ways to protect your vehicle:

Electronic engine immobilizers initiate the engine to start through the use of a computer chip in the ignition key. For extra security, select a device that will prevent your car from starting in the event that it is damaged or tampered with.
Vehicle alarms are beneficial if you usually park your vehicle in high-traffic areas, such as parking malls. If a thief tries to enter forcibly, it triggers the alarm to emit a series of sirens, beeps, and even flashing lights. Although it will draw attention to thieves, false alarms are a common nuisance with this type of anti-theft device.
A mechanical immobilizer comes in the form of either a steering wheel locking bar or a transmission lock. Although they won't deter the professional car thief, they might buy you valuable time. Using this type of anti-theft device in conjunction with another could prove to be a good enough deterrent to keep thieves walking.
Install a kill switch, a device that will prevent the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a switch is flipped.

If you do have the misfortune of having you car broken into, talk to your broker. Damage to your car would be claimed against your comprehensive insurance policy, which is optional coverage provided by ICBC and private insurers; your mandatory Basic Autoplan policy does not cover theft. The stolen items may have to be claimed against your homeowner's, strata unit owner's or tenant's policy, and separate deductibles and limits would apply.

Distracted driving

Drivers face many distractions when they should be concentrating on the road. Whether it's texting and talking on the phone, eating, putting on make-up or engaging in a distracting conversation with passengers, drivers are putting themselves and others at risk with multi-task driving. Take your time, leave early and plan ahead to avoid the frustrations that come with driving, and arrive at your destination safely. Speeding is not worth the injuries and costs associated with taking chances and rushing.

Here are some tips to prevent distracted driving:

Minimize chatter with passengers.
Just drive; don't multi-task.
If you can't resist answering your phone, turn it off to remove temptation or invest in hands-free accessories. Likewise, refrain from texting while you drive.
Program your GPS before you leave and make sure you have a clear idea of where you are heading to and how to get there.
Follow at a safe distance and be prepared to stop at a moment's notice. Remember that the faster you are driving, the longer it takes to stop. For example, at 30 km/h, it takes 18 metres to come to a full stop; at 110, it takes 126 metres.
Pay attention to the other vehicles around you, whether a car adjacent to you is flashing an indicator to get into your lane, or the cars ahead of you seem to be slowing down.
If you think a collision can't be prevented, steer right and head for an area on the side of the road that will cause the least impact.
Drive slowly and observe speed limits in construction zones, school and playground zones.
Be wary of intersections, where accidents frequently take place. Don't rush yellow and red lights or attempt to drive through an intersection before pedestrians step off the curb.
Don't speed; you'll be subject to penalties that will drive up your insurance.

Driving in inclement weather

When it's raining or snowing, a skilled driver knows that you cannot drive as you normally would in fair weather conditions. This means driving more slowly, applying the brakes sooner and respecting boundaries with other vehicles. Rain, snow and ice can cause the roads to be slippery and pedestrians more difficult to see. Here are some tips for driving safely in bad weather:

Drive with your headlights on to increase visibility.
Give yourself plenty of time to start and stop when driving on ice or snow.
Avoid cruise control on slippery highways; it can cause wheel-spin and make you lose control of the vehicle.
Visit (link) for the latest road conditions.
Keep your gas tank full - this will prevent the fuel from freezing and will maximize your traction on slippery roads.
When the ground is covered with snow, avoid alleys and dirt roads.
Brush off all snow from the car, as the snow on the roof and hood can blow on to your windshield or that of the car behind you, interfering with visibility. Scrape off ice from all windows, mirrors, and lights. Don't forget to brush off your license plate.
Keep an emergency kit available, including first aid kit, jumper cables, flashlights, warm blankets. Also keep an ice scraper and shovel and lock de-icer handy in your car.
Avoid driving in bad weather unless you absolutely have to.
Put winter tires on your car.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

References

Ministry of Driving and Infrastructure: Winter Driving Tips
ICBC Road Safety: Bad-Weather Driving Tips, Winter Driving FAQ, Speed Tips, Buying a Safer Vehicle, How Can I Theft Proof my Car
Transport Canada: Transport Canada's Safe Driving Tips
Drive BC: Road Conditions
Insurance Bureau of Canada: Thinking of Buying a Car