Be mentally prepared for festive season travelling
If you are planning on a road trip this year, remember to keep your vehicle and mind well maintained.
The holiday season is practically here, and many people have already begun prepping for long, inter-provincial travel during this time.
Ahead of the expected increase in road traffic, the Automobile Association (AA) encourages motorists to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound and travel-ready before heading on these long trips.
Beyond the mechanical soundness of the vehicle, an often-overlooked element of motoring is the wellness of the driver.
In appreciation of mental health awareness and in the interests of improved road safety, the AA also appeals to motorists to ensure they are mentally prepared for their journeys. This includes the likely congestion on major routes.
Fatigue, both mental and physical, is a significant contributor to lapses in concentration on the road, and the AA urges drivers to be alert and aware when they are behind the wheel.
Being tired while driving has been compared to being intoxicated while driving and can contribute to serious crashes, especially when driving at higher speeds or at night. Feeling sleepy or drowsy, delayed reflexes, impatience and indecisiveness are some of the indicators of fatigue.
Should you be experiencing any of these indicators and believe that your driving may be impaired, the AA advises that you rest and regather yourself before continuing your journey.
Your state of mind not only affects your passengers but also all other road users, so it’s critical that you are in the right state of mind to operate a vehicle.
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