Safety tips for travelling during Easter holidays
Easter weekend road accidents increased by 37% between 2022 and 2023.
THE month of March will see thousands of families hit the road to enjoy the chance to relax and recharge over the Easter holidays and the long weekends.
There are basic safety steps that drivers should remember to ensure they and their passengers reach their destinations safely.
Also read: Road safety tips for the Easter weekend
Group CEO of the Fidelity Services Group Wahl Bartmann shared some safety tips with the drivers and those who will be travelling during the Easter holidays.
“You can make a massive difference by buckling up, driving at safe speeds and never operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Too many lives are lost on South African roads every month due to reckless driving or excessive speeding. Being aware of safe driving habits can bring down the country’s accident and fatality rate,” said Bartmann.
According to Bartmann, the number of Easter road fatalities increased by 37% from 184 in 2022 to 252 in 2023.
“North West and Western Cape were the only provinces that recorded a decrease in fatalities at 50% and 34% respectively during Easter 2023. The highest increase was KwaZulu-Natal at 132% followed by the Free State at 122%.
“We recommend you avoid any kind of distraction that takes your eyes and concentration away from the road. Never use your cellphone to send text messages while driving,” said Bartmann.
Bartmann reminded motorists to test the vehicle’s roadworthiness before setting off on any long journey as many accidents are caused by bursting tyres or other aspects that could have been avoided.
Also read: Holiday roads and traffic are not for learner drivers
Bartmann said any driver operating a vehicle on South African roads will have to give thought to the installation of a vehicle-tracking system.
“It is a sad reality that many vehicles get hijacked. The quarterly crime statistics released by SAPS recently showed that around 66 cars are hijacked daily – an increase of 6.5% since the same period in 2022. The provinces of Gauteng, Western Cape and the North West saw noticeable increases in hijackings.
“If anyone has gained unauthorised access to your vehicle, it is a valuable resource that can help locate the car once it has been stolen or hijacked. It could also help parents monitor the driving habits of their children to ensure good driving behaviour.
“The added benefit is that family members who stay behind at home could also track your movement to give them the ease of knowing where you are and whether you reached your destination.”
“Safe driving starts with awareness and preparedness. As a driver, you have the responsibility for the safety of those who share the road with you,” Bartmann added.
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