Road Safety Tips For The Festive Season
It’s almost time for the festive season to kick off, and hundreds of South Africans will travel to family, friends, and holiday destinations. There were 1 685 deaths recorded on South Africa’s roads over the 2021 festive season, according to Eyewitness News. People tend to relax more when on holiday, therefore ClickaCar compiled a list of tips to keep you safe:
- Buckle up, cowboy!
This is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe on the road. In a crash, you're twice as likely to die if you're not wearing your seatbelt. Also, make sure young passengers are buckled in their appropriate car seats. Make it a habit to put on your seatbelt every time you get in a car, even for brief trips.
- Watch your speedometer, not the clock.
When you're on a road trip, it's easy to get wrapped up in the journey's hype. But remember, the speed limit is there for a reason. Driving too fast can not only get you a ticket, which is not on your holiday wish list, but it can also put you and your passengers at risk in the event of a crash. So take your time, relax, and enjoy the ride.
- Don’t drink and drive
Drunk driving is a major contributory factor to road crashes and road deaths in South Africa. If you’re planning to go out and get merry this festive season, leave the car at home. Make other arrangements such as the use of reputable car-hailing services, a designated driver, or sleep over at your friend’s Christmas party.
- Location, Location, Location
Plan! Make sure your route is planned, you have the correct address, and it is typed into your GPS before you start your journey. If you’re staying at a place where you’ve never been before, it’s always handy to keep the phone number close in case of an emergency.
- Check your car before you zoom off
You can read how to get your car ready for your summer holiday here. But here are a few of the most important checks on the list:
- Be sure that all your lights are clean and working.
- A full tank of fuel, and staying out of the red, is a must.
- Make sure your windscreen wipers are in working order, your windows are clean, and your washer bottle is full.
- Check all your tyres’ pressure, as well as your spare tyre.
- Top off all your fluids; including oil, anti-freeze, and water.
- Have a break, have a KitKat
Take regular breaks and stop when you feel tired. Driving when you are overtired is dangerous, your reaction times are slowed down, and it takes longer to recover from distractions on the road. Stop for a break every two hours or so to get some fresh air, drink a cup of java or energy drink, eat something, and stretch your legs.
- Keep your headlights on at all times
Whether you’re driving in daylight or at night, pleasant weather or bad weather; always keep your headlights on. It helps other drivers to see you more clearly, and can prevent accidents.
- Check your blind spots twice
Santa checks his list twice, and you check your blind spot twice. With so many vehicles on the road, it is easy to miss a cyclist or motorcyclist, for instance.
- Stay alert
Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles, especially when turning. Also, keep a lookout for any dangers that might lurk on the roads. Holidays are for relaxing, but stay vigilant.
There you have it, our top tips for staying safe on the road this holiday season. Happy holidays from ClickaCar, please stay safe!