Page 2 - Suncor 360 - Fall 2017

MY JOURNEY TO ZERO
“It was a very scary incident and a reminder for me to be alert while driving.”
Christine Mack-Granger
Director, talent management Calgary
Driving is something many do every day, whether
it’s commuting to and from work or at the job
site. While there’s been a downward trend in the
number of injuries and fatalities, the numbers
are a sombre reminder to take care on the road.
In 2015, 1,858 people were killed and more than
10,000 seriously injured from collisions in Canada.
Christine Mack-Granger narrowly avoided becoming a statistic thanks to staying alert and practicing defensive driving.
“Coming out of a yield on a busy Calgary road, I noticed a tractor-trailer turning left onto the same road,” says Christine. “He took the turn wide and I could see he was going to cross over into the lane I was going into – and I just felt it was best to wait until he nished his turn as opposed to accelerating through.”
Her gut instinct was right. As the truck made the turn, the entire unit tipped over and landed on its side, less than 10 feet from Christine’s front bumper. If she had pulled out earlier, the truck would have landed on her car.
“It was a very scary incident and a reminder for me to be alert while driving,” she says. “It’s easy to go into autopilot when you’re driving the same route. And, even though I had the right of way, being aware of the potential hazard is why I’m lucky to be safe.”
SAFETY MOMENT
Before you drive
• Allow plenty of travel time – don’t rush
• Set the GPS and/or review all maps and directions • Stow and secure loose objects
• Prepare children with everything they need
• Ensure you’re not fatigued before a long drive
While you drive
• Don’t text, use apps or read email
• Let calls go to voicemail
• Don’t groom
• Keep two hands on the wheel at all times • Avoid eating or drinking
• Keep your eyes and mind on the road