Road safety tips to ensure safer travels this festive season

December means holidays, parties, fun with family and a lot of travelling. This means a lot of driving and commuting to different places.

Road safety becomes a great concern for motorists and passengers over this time.

Many accidents take place during the festive period as there is an increase in the amount of cars on the road at all times of the day.

Another key issue is drunken driving and speeding which is a major issue in SA, especially over the December period.

Taking this into consideration, here are useful tips to keep in mind to avoid car accidents during the festive period.
Don’t drink and drive. If you consume alcohol get a sober driver to take you home or call an Uber.

Drive defensively, which means being cautious at intersections and maintaining a safe following distance.

When travelling long distances, make regular stops to maintain alertness. Also, try and travel during off-peak hours. Check the weather and road conditions on your route before departing.

Ensure your car is in good condition, with enough tyre pressure, fluid levels, and a full petrol tank.

Stick to the speed limit, adjust your speed according to road conditions and pay close attention to traffic lights and road signs.

Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up. If travelling with children, ensure they are in appropriate car seats or booster seats.

Traffic congestion is common; plan for extra travel time and be considerate to other drivers.

• Souce: Road Safety Analysis (RSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA}