With the Easter holiday this April, it’s important to keep safety as a top priority while on the roads.
Accidents can often be prevented, as more than 90% of them occur when traffic regulations are violated.
The Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (Redisa) would like to encourage all South Africans to change their behaviour and create safer roads.
Redisa director Stacey Davidson says there are small habits that motorists can adopt to help remain safe on the roads.
These include checking tyres regularly for punctures, cuts and bulges to ensure that they are in good condition for the road.
The failure to attend to tyre safety is a vital factor in thousands of road accidents every year.
Research by the CSIR indicates that nearly 20% of accidents have tyre failure as a contributing factor.
“It does not help if you have the best brakes on the market, but your tyres are worn,” says Stacey.
When braking, the idea is to have sufficient friction between the road surface and tyre to bring the vehicle to a standstill.
If the tyres are worn there will not be enough friction and the tyre will slide over the road surface, not stopping the vehicle.
Redisa believes that improving driving habits and tyre maintenance will go a long way towards saving lives and alleviating the environmental issue caused by the approximate 270 000 tons of waste tyres generated every year.
Well maintained tyres will hold your vehicle securely on the road, allowing it to stop, start and manoeuvre safely.
For your own safety and that of others, your tyres must be in good condition, properly maintained and appropriate for your vehicle.
Around the globe governments are enforcing stricter regulations on safe driving and vehicle protection.
To meet these regulations and standards, businesses are increasingly looking at methods and technologies to reduce road carnage and the adverse impact it has.
Tyre tips
Check your tyre pressure on a cold start or before a long journey.
If your tyre’s side wall is damaged, replace it.
Under-inflated tyres use more fuel, so check the pressure.
Check that your tyre pressure is correct and equal.
