Are you really prepared for your holiday?
No-one wishes to be involved in an emergency, but statistically, it will happen.
You have probably been planning your well-deserved holiday for some time. But how ready will you be should an emergency arise during your vacation?
During the festive season of 2015, 1 755 people lost their lives, as reported by Transport Minister Dipou Peters. This was an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year’s statistics.
The Western Cape recorded the highest increase (33 per cent) in deaths, from 122 during the 2014 season to 162, followed by North West, where the fatalities increased by 26 percent from 108 to 136.
Other provinces also showed large increases in fatalities: Gauteng – 10 per cent, Eastern Cape – 22 per cent, Free State – 20 per cent, Mpumalanga – 16 per cent, Limpopo – 12 per cent and the Northern Cape – 19 per cent.
The only province to show a decline in road fatalities was KwaZulu-Natal (–2 per cent).
ER24 has put together some guidelines which will help you to be properly prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are on you holiday.
Plan for the worst:
No-one wishes to be involved in an emergency, but statistically, it will happen. Properly preparing for your holiday can decrease the odds and, should the need arise, you will be equipped for your emergency.
Vehicle check:
Making sure that your vehicle is roadworthy is not the only thing to check. A thorough check will minimise the risk of your vehicle breaking down.
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) recommends that a 52-point check-up should be done before going on a long trip. These inspections can be done at any reputable vehicle service centre.
A number of necessities should also be packed in your vehicle, for use in an emergency. These include:
• Power bank – should you be stranded and your cellphone needs an emergency charge
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Reflective warning triangles
• Tyre gauge
• Foam tyre sealant
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight and batteries
• Workers gloves
• Duct tape
• Tow rope
• Multipurpose utility tool
• Rain poncho
• Drinking water
• Nonperishable snacks
• Warm blanket
On your journey:
By following these few tips, you can make sure that your journey is a pleasant one.
• Know your route and the rest stops along the way
• Stop every 200km or 2 hours
• Drink plenty of cool liquids to stay hydrated
• Listen to some music while driving to ensure you do not become drowsy
• Should you become drowsy, pull over in a safe area and have a good stretch and a brisk walk
Your destination:
How well do you know your destination? An emergency can happen at any time. Knowing just a few of these tips can make the difference between life and death.
• Know where the closest hospital or general practitioners are located
• Have a list of the emergency services in the area
• Make sure that each family member carries a card with all their emergency medical information
Remember, by adhering to the rules of the road, and by following our guidelines, you can guarantee yourself a safe and well-rested holiday.
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