The association says, “Anyone who will be on the country’s roads – particularly on national roads – this festive season, must remain vigilant and focused, whether they are behind the wheel of a vehicle, as a passenger in a vehicle, riding a motorcycle, or as a pedestrian”.
Apart from keeping your vehicle in good condition, the AA advised motorists to be mindful of the following tips:
1. Have the right attitude on the road, and be courteous to other road users.
2. If you have any doubt about your eyesight, check your vision before you drive. Proper eyesight is essential to safe driving.
3. Obey all the rules of the road, and directives from law enforcement officers.
4. Ensure everyone in the vehicle (yes, front and back) is wearing their seat belt, and that all children who require such devices are properly secured in a correct child restraint system (child seats or booster seats).
5. Check your tyres (including the spare, and those of any other vehicle you are towing such as a trailer or caravan) are in good condition. If they need replacing, don’t wait until you return, do it before you leave.
6. Ensure your windscreen wipers (front and back) are in good condition and working properly. Even if you haven’t used them in a while, the condition of wipers can deteriorate due to sun damage. Don’t discover too late that they’re not working properly.
7. Drink or drive. If you are going to be doing one, don’t do the other, simple as that.
8. Drink or walk. Considering that pedestrians comprise the highest percentage of road user fatalities in South Africa, the same advice applies: if you’re going to be doing the one, don’t do the other.
9. If you are a pedestrian ensure you are visible at all times, especially at night, and at dawn or dusk, and in poorly lit areas.
10. Rest well before a long journey. And, while you’re on the road, take a breather every two hours or every 200km. Stretching your legs and getting some fresh air will keep you alert, and you’ll be ready for the next part of your trip.
11. If you’re a biker, or riding on a bicycle, wear a helmet.
12. Drive to the conditions of the road. It may be raining, or there may be heavy fog on a road marked with a 120km/h speed limit. It’s essential you reduce your speed and drive according to the prevailing conditions.
13. Pack away your mobile device. Distracted driving is dangerous, and means you aren’t focused on the road ahead. Put your cell phone in the boot, and use it only when you need to in an emergency.
14. Take a detour, get off the beaten track, and explore our beautiful country. Make the journey part of your trip
15. And, lastly, make road safety a priority for yourself and your family.
Further to this, the AA also suggests that motorists download and use the AA app as it will allow easy and quick access to emergency numbers.
“2020 has been a trying year for many, and the last thing anyone needs now is more trouble on the roads. We must remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we urge all road users to play their part by obeying the rules of the road,” the AA concludes.
Source: AA
