You should always exercise good business judgement when offering delivery services to ensure your safety and those of other Canadian residents!

Rainy/Stormy conditions and floods can arrive quickly, and depending on their severity, can impact road safety. 

Here are some practical steps you can take to help stay safe during a storm:

Visibility is key

Being visible to other road users is the single most important aspect of driving safely in adverse conditions. The best way to stay visible is to:

• Turn on your headlights
• If you are on an e-bike/bike, scooter or motorcycle, make sure you are wearing high visibility gear 
• If you are on an e-bike, scooter or motorcycle, consider wearing a bright-coloured helmet
• Make a mental map of the road users around you – this will help you pre-empt any avoidable vehicle hazards
• Avoid frequent, unnecessary lane changes – frequently changing your road position reduces your visibility to others

Be ready for changing conditions

During storm events, road hazards can develop quickly and catch road users off guard. To prepare for these hazards, always:

• Keep both hands on the steering wheel or handles – this can assist in dealing with vehicle aquaplaning
• Slow down – reducing your speed increases the time you have to react to a hazard or changing road conditions
• Scan the road ahead – give yourself the best chance of avoiding a hazard by having  adequate time to react
• If there is lightning and you are riding an e-bike, scooter or motorcycle, consider pausing your delivery run. These vehicles give you no protection from lightning strikes
• If a roadway is flooded, do not attempt to go through the stormwater. Strong flood currents can sweep vehicles away, as well as create hazards in the water (such as tree branches, rocks, etc) that are not visible to the naked eye

Remember, exercising good business judgement will go a long way in keeping safe during a storm. If the conditions worsen and you are not comfortable delivering, end your delivery run.

Flooding

Flooding is caused by heavy or high-intensity rainfall, which causes rapidly moving water to surge through low-lying areas. Some tips to avoid hazards associated with floods are:

• Move to higher ground
• Avoid low-lying areas, as these are the most susceptible to flash flooding
• Do not enter or attempt to cross flowing water – six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.
• Do not drive around road barriers. Roads and bridges may be washed out or structurally unsound.
• Monitor the media for emergency services updates
• Always follow instructions from emergency services

If you do find yourself in a dangerous flood situation, always contact emergency services immediately at 911.