According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), titled World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention, about 1,2 million people are killed in traffic accidents around the world each year, with Africa by far the continent with the most dangerous roads.
Although the UN health agency’s Global Status Report on Road Safety stated that the death toll has remained stable in recent years, despite the number of vehicles on the road increasing rapidly, traffic accidents are still the leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-old people worldwide.
This costs government on average about 3.0 percent of its annual Gross Domestic Product, the report showed.
With the festive season drawing nearer, and large volumes of traffic expected on the roads during this period, improving driving habits, tyre maintenance and ensuring that you have insurance cover in the event of an accident, will go a long way towards saving lives.
To make sure you are protected, REDISA and King Price have compiled vehicle tips to educate motorists on how to stay safe on the roads.
Tyre tips:
Check your tyre pressure on a cold start or before a long journey.
You’ll find the correct pressure details for your vehicle either under your fuel cap, on the inside of your door or in the cubbyhole. Then check your tyre pressure on a cold start or before a long journey.
If your tyre’s side wall is damaged, replace it.
Check regularly for any signs of irregular wear, any sharp objects lodged in the tread and any cuts, tears, cracks or bulges. Check for damage or uneven wear on all four tyres, on both sides of the tyre and on the wheel rims.
Under-inflated tyres use more fuel, so check the pressure.
You’ll need an accurate pressure gauge. Take off the dust cap on the valve, fix on the pressure gauge and take a note of the result. If your tyre needs extra air, you should inflate it using an air pump at home. Under-inflated tyres use more fuel. If the tyre is overinflated, according to the pressure chart, you can allow air to escape while the dust cap is off.
Check that your tyre pressure is correct and equal.
Never rely on the eyeball method to gauge air pressure in tyres. Next to the vehicle’s brakes, the tyres are the most important safety parts of your car. If there is an imbalance in the tyre pressure there could be a risk when braking and negotiating corners. In addition to putting you at risk of an accident, poor tyre pressure can also affect fuel economy, comfort and the life of the tyre.
As well as ensuring that you are safe on the road, have a look at the below tips to ensure you are completely covered in the event of an accident this festive season:
Insurance Tips
Ensure that your insurance policy is up to date.
Ensure your driver’s licence and other personal documents are valid, especially if you are travelling outside of the country. Also check the territorial limits on your insurance policy.
If you are taking any portable possessions, ensure they are covered.
If you are renting any trailers and/or cars, ensure they are roadworthy, licensed and insured.
