#NewsYouCanUse: Festive season road safety
Often one of the most important aspects of holiday preparations which go unchecked is a vehicle and travel safety check.
As the festive season kicks into high gear everyone will be in a rush to get their festive season shopping done before enjoying a well-deserved year-end break.
Often one of the most important aspects of holiday preparations which go unchecked is a vehicle and travel safety check.
Over the festive season, the roads are busier than at any other time not only around town but also en route to various popular holiday destinations.
Also read: AUTODEALER CARES ABOUT YOUR MOTORING SAFETY
The festive season is the most vital time to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition.
Planning for your journey
• Make sure that you have your driver’s licence with you before you set out on your journey.
• Plan your route whether you are heading to the shop or leaving for your holiday destination.
• Give yourself enough time to reach your destination.
• As far as possible stick to major routes.
• Toll roads in South Africa offer better quality roads with numerous fuel stops.
• If you have to travel on back roads, make sure that you know how much distance is between each town and identify your route early in the planning process.
• Plan ahead for fuel stops to ensure that you do not run out of petrol on the way to your holiday destination.
• Plan to have enough rest stops along the way. This is especially important if you are travelling with children.
• Ensure that you tell a family member or friend when you will be travelling, which route you will be taking and the approximate time you will arrive at your destination.
• Try not to travel at night.
Double check your vehicle fitness
• Always ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave for your holiday destination.
• Most car centres offer free vehicle safety checks over the festive season. Take advantage of these checks to make sure that your vehicle is in the best possible condition before setting off on your journey.
• Do not overload your vehicle under any circumstances.
Be driver fit
• Try to rest as much as possible the day before your holiday travel.
• Never drink and drive.
• Whenever possible, take a break every 200km or two hours.
• Make sure that you avoid driver distractions such as cellpcell phones
lways wear a seatbelt.
