With schools and businesses closed, everyone is gearing up to head out to their vacation destinations this festive season. The Automobile Association (AA) mentioned traffic volumes are expected to pick up in the next few weeks, especially on major routes across the country.
These include the N1 from Polokwane to Cape Town, through Gauteng and Bloemfontein, the N2 along the Indian Ocean coastline and the N3 from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal. The N4 through Mpumalanga and the N7 from Cape Town through Namaqualand to the Namibian border.
Here are a few Tips to stay safe this festive:
- Keep left, pass right: The keep left, pass right rule is not new and is one of the most basic and fundamental golden road rules. A simple rule which should be followed by all moving vehicles. It is courteous driving and helps traffic flow even smoother. The correct approach is to allow faster vehicles to pass when it is safe to do so. Don’t police other drivers, leave that to the authorities.
- Buckle up: To avoid casualties in case of an accident, as a driver, ensure everyone in the vehicle is strapped in tightly
- Drink or drive: If you are going to be doing one, don’t do the other. Drinking and driving is a serious criminal offence and it is one of the main reasons for fatal accidents, especially around the festive season.
- Reflective gear: If you are walking, always be visible, especially at night, at dawn or dusk, and in poorly lit areas.
- Take a break: While on the road, take a breather every two hours or every 200 km. This will help you stay alert behind the wheel. Take the time to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and be relaxed for a few moments before continuing your journey.
- Safety Gear: If you’re a biker, or riding on a bicycle, wear a helmet and other necessary protective gear.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is dangerous, and means you aren’t focused on the road ahead. Put your cell phone in the boot and use it only in an emergency.
- Tyre pressure: Ensure all your tyres including the spare wheel is in a good condition and properly inflated. This is very crucial, if you don’t have a modern vehicle that shows tyre pressure on the computer, go to the garage and check your tyre pressure. Kicking your tyres before you head out won’t work.
- Assess your vehicle: Ensure your windscreen wipers (front and back) are in good condition. Even relatively new wiper blades may deteriorate quickly if left in the sun for long periods. Streaking, skipping, slipping or squeaking wipers are telling you they need attention.
- Medical kit: Be prepared for any roadside, medical or security situation. Any injuries can occur while on a road trip, make sure you have a medical kit packet in the vehicle.
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