Zero compromise towards safety

Easter season is upon us and Netcare 911 has provided some crucial information about how to remain safe during holiday travels.

Travelers are urged to avoid travelling during peak traffic days such as March 29 and April 1.

Road safety begins at home. Netcare 911’s spokesperson Sarah Kekana advises travellers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before they leave for a trip.

“Make sure your breaks are functioning well, check that your lights are working, check the tread and condition of your tyres and make sure your spare tyre is inflated,” Kekana said.

Additional pre-travelling tips include packing a basic toolbox, ensuring your car and driver’s license are up to date, cleaning rearview mirrors and car windows, topping up water, oil and windscreen washer liquids and ensuring the tools needed to change a tyre are on hand.

Kekana recommends that the following items be included in your first aid kit:
She urged travellers to check in advance if they need any prophylactic medication or vaccines for the area they will be travelling to. For instance, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga are malaria areas.

“Make sure you take anti-malarial medication as required. Pregnant women should get medical advice about travelling to malaria areas and whether it is safe for them to drive long distances.

“Always take any prescription medication with you, ensuring you have enough to cover your stay away. Insect repellent is often also a good idea to have in your suitcase,” she added.

While driving, motorists are advised to buckle their seat belts and most importantly, to drive safely.

Motorists should remember the following when driving:
• Stick to the speed limit.
• Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• A podcast or music can help with boredom while driving. Just make sure to get a passenger to find and play them for you.
• You should stop every two hours in well-lit, safe areas away from the roadside to stretch your legs and rest.
• Keep a safe travelling distance of at least three seconds, and double this in wet weather.
• Keep well-hydrated and keep the inside temperature of your car cool while driving.

According to Kekana, safety does not end when you arrive at your holiday destination. You can still ensure that you’re acting safely and responsibly.

“Never swim on your own or after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. If you’re near water, watch your children at all times and they should not wander off alone without an adult escort and it is important not to swim or participate in water sports in potentially contaminated water,” she warned.

She offered more safety tips for people going on holiday:
• While at the beach, only swim in designated areas under the guidance of lifeguards.
• Stay away from the water if you are feeling ill or tired.
• Check the local media to see where the polluted areas are. Never dive into water if you don’t know how deep it is or what may lurk beneath the surface.
• Limit your exposure to the sun to before 11:00 and after 15:00, and use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, keep reapplying it and wear a hat.
• Be careful of what and where you eat.
• Never hike alone; fill in the mountain register so the resort knows where you are.
• Check the weather forecast before going outdoors.
• Don’t assume that a place is safe, stay cautious and avoid walking alone.

“If the unthinkable happens and you need help in a medical emergency, contact Netcare 911 on 082 911 or download the Netcare App in advance to easily reach us,” Kekana concluded.

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