Our country is one of the most dangerous places to drive in with around 14 000 road deaths annually, and the Easter holidays always see a spike in fatalities as the national roads get much busier with traffic.
With traffic authorities seemingly more interested in lucrative speed-trapping than policing other dangerous moving violations, it’s up to motorists themselves to ensure that the roads are safe. Before heading off for that long trip this Easter, consider these safety tips to ensure you and your family get there in one piece:
- Get your vehicle checked for safety, especially if it’s a few years old. Tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers, and shock absorbers are basic safety items that need to be in perfect shape, without any significant wear and tear.
- Ensure all occupants wear their seatbelts at all times. The driver and passengers have a five times greater chance of survival in a collision if they remain strapped in inside the vehicle. Being thrown from a vehicle is 25 times more dangerous, which clearly endorses the need for all passengers, both front and rear, to wear seatbelts.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Maintain a safe following distance of at least two seconds. Increase this when driving at night or in the rain.
- Adjust your speed for the prevailing road or weather conditions.
- Take a short break every two hours or 200km. Fatigue, or falling asleep at the wheel, is a major cause of accidents.
- It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a fully stocked safety kit, warning triangle, blankets and water in the event that your journey is interrupted. -Star Motoring