THE start of the Easter weekend is generally a busy time on the roads, with higher levels of traffic as motorists make their way to holiday destinations all around South Africa.
Ensure the safety of your family by taking a few minutes to do a simple walk around inspection and engine inspection as recommended by ER24. These simple checks could make all the difference to arriving alive:
• Wiper blades – check that the material is soft and that it doesn’t have any cracks or it has separated from the holding. A good wiper blade will give you good visibility while you are driving through potential down pours.
• Lights – check if the indicators, headlights and brake lights are working properly. It’s always a good idea to have the headlights checked for the correct alignment in order to have optimum lighting while driving on the roads and not blinding the driver on the oncoming lane.
• Tyres – check tyres for excessive or uneven wear and that tyre pressure is correct. Make sure that the tyres are road worthy so that you and your family will be safe.
• Fluid levels – make sure that you check the engine oil, brake fluid, radiator cooler and the windscreen washer fluid levels are all correct, if not make sure you top up to the correct levels and keep extra in the boot of your car in an emergency while travelling.
• Belts and Pipes – make sure all the belts are not cracking and tearing and that they are sitting correctly in the engine. Check the pipes for any leaks, any loose clamps and that they are correctly fitted to the right areas.
• Battery Connections – make sure the battery terminals are clear of any corrosive build up. The terminals must be sitting correctly on the battery and that the battery is well mounted on to the car and will not move around while you drive.
Once you are on the road:
• Obey the road rules at all times.
• Do not over load the car.
• Have a good rest before embarking on your journey.
• Take a break every 200km or every 2hrs.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Drive with your head lights on for increased visibility.
• Always wear your seatbelt and check to see if everybody else in the car is wearing theirs.
• Be alert on weather conditions.
• Stay within the speed limits at all times.
• Try and avoid driving after dark.
• Stay focused at all times, looking out for potentially dangerous drivers and pedestrians alongside the road. If possible avoid them at all times.
• If you are travelling with children, try and keep them entertained with different games and make sure that they are having fun while in the car with you.
• Make sure you let your loved ones know where you staying and that you got there safely.
•Most importantly do not rush to the destination but enjoy every moment of the journey!
If you require any emergency medical assistance – contact 084 124
