It is Women’s Month: Empower yourself as a driver
Driving alone, especially at night, can be dangerous for women. Learn essential driving skills to boost your confidence and safety on the road.
South Africa has a serious problem with road safety, particularly for women. Empowering women to be confident and capable drivers is crucial for their safety and independence. MasterDrive’s CEO, Eugene Herbert, emphasises the importance of equipping oneself with essential driving skills.
Females must master basic car maintenance, as understanding your vehicle is key to staying safe.
You must be able to do these:
• Check and adjust tyre pressure
• Monitor fluid levels (oil, coolant, wiper fluid)
• Interpret warning lights
• Change a tyre.
While roadside assistance is helpful, knowing how to handle these tasks yourself can be a lifesaver.
Stay alert and aware of hijack risks by developing a heightened sense of awareness. It is essential for preventing carjackings.
Be prepared
• Learn to identify potential threats
• Trust your instincts
• Create safe driving habits (avoiding direct home entries, checking for tailgaters)
• Understanding how to react in a hijacking situation can also empower you to stay calm and make informed decisions.
Continuous driver improvement
• Consider attending an advanced driving course
• Practice and refine the techniques learned regularly
• Create an emergency plan with contact details and medical information
By investing in your driving skills, you’ll gain confidence and be better prepared to handle unexpected challenges.
Taking control of your driving safety is a powerful step towards empowerment. By mastering these essential skills, and staying alert, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and carjackings.
Remember, your safety is in your hands.
Source: MotorPress
