Safety first on your matric vac

Matric Vacation, or affectionately referred to as Matric Vac, is considered to be a rite of passage for matriculants across the country, who celebrate the end of their school career.

It usually takes the form of a vacation to the coast with a group of friends, causing many a parent to lie awake at night worrying about their child.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, there are roughly 40 deaths per day and 14 000 deaths per annum on South African roads.

Human error is the largest contributor to all this carnage. 65% of fatal crashes are alcohol related while pedestrians walking drunk on the roads account for just under 40% of all road fatalities.

Speeding and being distracted by cell phones while using the road is sited to be one of the leading causes of accidents in addition to head on collisions that are largely caused by inconsiderate driving behaviour.

Vehicle tracking together with telematics provide a very plausible solution to keeping track of a young driver. Today, many tracking units utilise Global Positioning System (GPS) technology that will provide parents with a wealth of information at an affordable price.

Another added benefit of utilising a car tracking unit that has telematics (tracking and diagnostics) capabilities is the unit’s accurate accident reconstruction abilities.

A few tips for young drivers on Matric Vac:

• · Buckle up

• · Don’t use your phone while driving

• · Get enough sleep and take a break to stretch your legs

• · Pay attention to road signs and road markings

• · Don’t drink and drive

• · Don’t walk around inebriated

• · Speed kills, so stick to the speed limit

• · Know the emergency numbers of the areas you are driving through and staying at

• · Keep your cool and avoid road rage

• · Have your car serviced and thoroughly checked before your trip