These safety tips are a MUST-READ if you’re travelling with your family this holiday
Arrive Alive has put together a list of tips for use on the road this festive season. Remember, as the festive season is coming up, there are more drivers on the road – which in turn means more irresponsible drivers, drink drivers, fatigued drivers etc.
Planning the Journey / Rules of the Road
Obey the rules of the road and carry your drivers licence with you.
Plan the route to your holiday destination and give yourself enough time to reach the destination.
Use a GPS navigation tool or a road atlas to plan your trip in advance.
Vehicle Fitness /Roadworthiness
Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure.
All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
Take your vehicle for a full check before embarking on your holiday travels!
Do not overload your vehicle.
Driver Fitness / Driver Fatigue
Have a good rest before you embark on your journey.
Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km.
Do not drink and drive. If you intend to consume alcohol make alternative arrangements so you will not be behind the wheel.
Defensive Driving Behaviour
Drive defensively. Risk takers are collision makers!
Avoid all distractions – Keep both eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel!
Be visible – drive with your lights on!
Avoiding Criminals on the road
Remain alert to any areas that might present a threat of criminal activity such as hijackings and smash-and-grab.
Always place your valuables in the boot of your car and never leave items such as cell phones and wallets in open sight, unattended, or on the seat of a car.
Safe Driving in Challenging Road Conditions
Always adjust your driving to the driving conditions and environment.
If it is raining, turn your headlights and windscreen wipers on. Try to reduce speed and try not to brake suddenly. Often there is oil and petrol on the road, which can cause you to skid out of control.
For more road safety tips, read WOW’s exclusive interview with Arrive Alive.