Important safety tips for a long road trip
Are you planning a long road trip? Whether you’re going on a holiday, going away with friends or moving, it’s always important to be safe while on the road. Here are some important tips and hints that aren’t always that obvious to assure your safety while on a road trip.
The following useful hints have been advised by the Automobile Association:
1. The first priority before any trip is undertaken, is to check vehicle safety. All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults. Motorists unsure or concerned about the roadworthiness of their vehicles, can have a pre-holiday technical examination done.
2. Motorists are advised to always carry a spare fan belt and radiator hose in the boot.
3. It is also advisable before leaving on a long journey to check insurance policies. Motor vehicles, householder, houseowner and life assurance policies should be in order.
4. Newspaper and milk deliveries should be canceled and provision made for the care of pets.
5. Families travelling an unfamiliar route must plan their journey. It is a very important safety precaution to know where you are heading.
6. While traveling, motorists should ensure their own safety, and that of their families and other road users, by using seatbelts and maintaining a two second following distance. Following distances must be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
7. Fatigue and eye strain can be avoided by making frequent rest stops. Driver changes at rest stops are also advisable. It is advisable to include safety breaks every two hours or 200 kilometres, as this will reduce fatigue levels.
8. Cars should be locked when unattended, with no valuables inside the vehicle where they can be seen by passers-by. Never leave children or pets in a locked car – the heat built-up in the interior can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be fatal.
9. It is also important that motorists carry their drivers licence at all times.