This festive season is well known as the silly season for the fact that we tend to lose our senses, composure and sometimes allow the festivities to steal away our morality! It is very important to note, that this festive holiday season, the traffic department and SAPS will beef up their efforts to curb any illegal activities, particularly incidences of driving under the influence.
So below are some tips that will help in staying safe this festive season, courtesy of Arrive Alive:
- Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s license with you at all times.
- Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow yourself enough time to reach the destination
- Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreens, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
- Do not overload.
- Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.
- Have a good rest before you leave on your journey
- Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km. Rest, have an energy drink and continue once well rested.
- Do not drink and drive
- Try to recognise potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them
- Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within the range of the main beam.
- Always wear your seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
- Drive defensively
- Stay within the speed limit at all times
- Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so
- Maintain at least a 2-second following distance – this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
- Expect others to not be as obedient to the law as yourself
- Avoid distractions on the road such as texting, conversations on cellular phones etc
- Be courteous towards fellow road users – keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate
- Know your emergency numbers – When you need assistance, kindly call the following numbers