The festive season is a fantastic time for relaxing and celebrating after a tough year, but it’s also become a time when there is more carnage on South African roads than usual.
The festive season is a fantastic time for relaxing and celebrating after a tough year, but it’s also become a time when there is more carnage on South African roads than usual.
“Our main wish for this festive season is that there will be a much lower accident, injury and fatality rate than in recent years,” says Reina Cullinan, Total South Africa’s marketing manager. Total suggests the following safety tips for all drivers to consider, that can hopefully help them to travel safely over the busy holiday period:
* Make sure that your vehicle is in good working order and has not missed a service;
* Ensure that your tyres are properly inflated (especially for your extra holiday load) and that you have sufficient tread;
* Keep to the speed limit at all times – speed does kill;
* Take regular rest breaks (at least every two hours) especially if you are on a long trip;
* Check that your cell phone is fully charged and has airtime in case you need to make an emergency call;
* Check that you have a good spare tyre and a toolkit, including hazard signs;
* Have your route planned before you leave, getting lost is not only frustrating, but also brings about extra risks such as running out of petrol;
* Watch out for pedestrians and animals crossing the road;
* Buckle up (passengers too);
* Be alert at all times so that you can take swift avoiding action if necessary;
* Do not consume any alcohol before starting a trip or while you are on your journey;
* Pack your vehicle carefully (especially trailers, roof racks etc);
* Be patient and considerate on the road – treat the journey as part of your holiday;
* And remember – rather be late than never arrive at all!
