Arrive alive this festive season

Les Mc Master, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association, said the major contributing factors to festive season road fatalities include speeding, overtaking when it is not safe to do so, fatigue, overloading and tyre bursts. “The first issue that needs to be addressed is vehicles that have not been serviced and are not roadworthy attempting to make long road trips,” said Mc Master. “These vehicles are a hazard, not only to the passengers inside them but to other drivers too. A tyre blow-out, for example, can result in pieces of rubber flying up onto the road, hitting other vehicles and causing accidents as drivers swerve to avoid the debris.” Mc Master highly recommends that vehicle owners get their vehicles checked and serviced before venturing out on the road. “Important checks to remember include tyres, oil, brakes, windscreen wipers and water spray, and the engine cooling fan,” he said. “Secondly, drivers need to be aware of the dangers of driving long distances. Many accidents could be avoided if drivers are alert, patient, and considerate to other road users and, most importantly, take regular breaks,” added Mc Master. “Rather give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don’t feel the need to rush. Keep calm and don’t take chances.” He offers these additional tips for drivers getting behind the wheel in the next few weeks:

Things to consider before leaving:

• Get enough sleep and plan your route, including refuelling points, rest points and any overnight stops if necessary. Also ensure you get enough sleep the night before your trip to ensure you are not tired when driving.
• It is essential to check that your car is properly prepared for a long road trip before departing. Double check the headlights, indicators, shocks, stop lights, tail-lights, windscreen wipers, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, oil and water. Remember to also ensure that your spare wheel is in good condition.
• Remember to properly charge your cell phone, so you can contact emergency services should you need to.

Things to consider when you are on the road:

• Using seat belts is important for any road journey – in both the front and back seats. Children under 12 should ideally be secured in a back seat.
• During rainy weather, motorists can expect slippery roads, traffic slowdowns and decreased visibility which will make driving hazardous, even at moderate speeds. However, there are some precautions that can be taken. Drivers need to remember to allow extra following distances; to not slam on brakes but instead apply a steady, light and firm pressure; to drive in the centre lane and avoid the outside lane as water often collects in these areas and to use their headlights.
• Fatigue plays a large part in the number of road accidents we see during the December months. Drivers and passengers should be aware of any signs of fatigue. If the driver is drifting from lane to lane and jerking the vehicle back again; is daydreaming; constantly yawning; having difficulty focusing or keeping his/her eyes open – then it is time to stop and take a rest. Don’t rely on the radio or fresh air from an open window to keep you awake, rather pull off into a safe area, drink some coffee and try to have a 20 to 45 minute nap.
• If you do need to rest, avoid suspicious areas and keep all your doors locked. Where possible, rather pull over to a designated rest stop.