With the Christmas holidays coming into full effect, here are some vehicle tips to a safe holiday road trip
South Africa’s roads are notorious for claiming many lives throughout the year, and the national accident rate increases annually.
South Africa’s roads are notorious as they claim a number of lives throughout the year, and the national accident rate increases annually. With the Christmas holidays coming into full effect, here are some vehicle tips for a safe holiday road trip.
• Have your car serviced and given a proper safety check-up.
• Map out your trip – make sure you allow plenty of time to get to your destination, including rest stops.
• Take regular breaks (at least one every two hours) and pull over for a power nap as soon you feel tired or fatigued.
• Share the driving if possible.
• Never drink alcohol, not even small amounts, before or during a long trip.
• Have a few good nights’ sleep before heading off
• Stay within the speed limit and always choose an appropriate speed for the driving conditions – whether city, country or night-time driving.
• Make sure all passengers wear appropriate seat belts or child restraints – including pets.
• Make sure all luggage is properly secured and won’t become projectiles in the case of sudden braking.
• Avoid distractions – don’t use mobile phones and keep young passengers occupied with games for children when driving.
• If driving refrain from using your cellphone – even if it is hands-free – as it is a distraction.
• Keep an adequate following distance – 3 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front.
• Be careful if pulling over into the emergency lane (yellow lane) as it would be unsafe to do so before cresting a rise.
• Give trucks plenty of room – remember they take longer to stop than a car.
• Be patient – enjoy the drive.
• Keep your headlights on for entire trip – see and be seen.
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