Things NOT to do on the road these holidays
As South Africans prepare to make their annual pilgrimages to various holiday destinations around the country, the nation’s already perilous roads are set to become even more dangerous, with infinitely more vehicles on the road during the December rush.
South Africa’s shocking holiday road death statistics have been widely publicized and studies show that 80% of the accidents recorded have been as a result of driver error. This includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as driver distractions caused by fatigue and cellphone usage.
The year-on-year increase in road deaths is alarming to say the least, particularly given the fact that the vast majority could have been prevented. While most of us are familiar with the perils of drunken driving, distraction behind the wheel can be just as dangerous.
So before you set off on the open road this festive season, here are a few easy ways to dial down the distractions and maintain your focus en route to your favourite holiday destination.
Send that call to voicemail
Unless you have a hands-free kit or Bluetooth system in your vehicle, you should steer clear of your phone while driving. While it might be tempting to send voice notes or have a long overdue catch up while on the road to combat boredom, it’s not worth the risk to yourself and other drivers. To avoid opening yourself up to temptation, consider setting your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, or make use of driving mode, which is available in many newer phones and disables notifications when it registers that you’re driving.
Steer clear of snacks
While padkos is a quintessential part of any road trip, it’s best not to partake in it while you’re behind the wheel. While it might seem fairly innocuous, the reality is that it requires you to remove a hand from the wheel, and shifts your focus from the road to your stomach. So make sure to eat a solid meal before setting off, and time your stops so as to keep yourself satiated without putting anyone in danger.
Tune in
A great playlist is also an essential element of any successful road trip, but it’s important to ensure it doesn’t mess with your concentration. Listening to music through headphones significantly reduces ambient sound, meaning that you may not notice that approaching truck or hear hooting from fellow drivers – not until it’s too late. So if your vehicle isn’t equipped with a music system, consider using a portable speaker rather than channeling sound directly into your ears, as this will enable you to focus better and be more reactive in the event of an emergency.
Plan ahead
It only takes a split second lapse in concentration to cause an accident. A quick reach into a handbag or a swift rummage for the correct toll change are sometimes all it takes to set off a cataclysmic chain of events. As such, it’s important to be prepared, and ensure you have access to all the necessary license cards, small change and anything else you may need during the course of the road trip.
It’s also important to know where you’re going ahead of time, and to plot your GPS route before leaving home rather than on the go. That way, you’ll have far less need to reach for your phone and attempt high-speed multitasking.
Via: MiWay