Road safety tips for the festive season
Traveling is one of the most exciting things you can do, but the influx of vehicles on the roads during the festive season makes it dangerous.
MANY travellers will be on the roads this festive season trying to get to various destinations. Follow these safety tips to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and arrive alive.
Also read: Do you recognise drowsy driving?
• Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s licence with you.
• Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow yourself enough time to reach the destination
• Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreens, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers, exhaust systems and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
• Do not overload.
• Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.
• Have a good rest before you embark on your journey
• Take safety breaks every two hours or 200km. Rest, have an energy drink and continue once well-rested.
• Do not drink and drive
• Try to spot potentially dangerous drivers and pedestrians on the road and keep well clear of them
• Be visible – drive with your lights on
• Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within the range of the main beam.
• Always wear your seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
• Drive defensively
• Stay within the speed limit at all times
• Only overtake when it is safe to do so
• Maintain at least a two-second following distance – this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
• Expect others to not be as obedient to the law as yourself
• Avoid distractions on the road such as texting, conversations on cellular phones etc
• Be courteous towards fellow road users – keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate
In case of an emergency or if you require assistance on the road, use the following emergency numbers:
• Police – 10111
• Fire – 10177
• Ambulance – 10177
• Arrive Alive call centre – 0861 400 800
• Emer-G-Med – 0861 007 911
• Accident and breakdown towing – 0860 911 326
• Netcare 911 – 082 911
• ER24 – 084 124.
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