Drive safe and get your car ready for the festive season

The festive season is known for traffic congestions, long distance drives and the overall month-long ‘rush hour’ that sees motorist exceeding speed limits and driving recklessly. However, the very same season coincides with high incidents of accidents and fatalities on the road.

The previous festive season, 1 December 2017 to 15 January 2018, saw an 11 per cent decrease to 1 527 fatalities countrywide.

According to the Automobile Association (AA), arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly and in record time. The association urged motorists to prepare for road trips by having a good car, and a clear mind which are as important as the holiday itself.

“It’s for this reason the Automobile Association (AA) urges all motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and roadworthy, and that their attitudes towards driving, especially over long distances, are also in a good condition,” the AA said.

The AA gives the following tips to get motorists and their vehicles holiday-ready:

• Plan your route, including stops, and ensure you make provision to stop every 200kms or every two hours to rest, refuel and refresh. If possible leave a day sooner, or later to avoid the rush.

• All passengers should buckle up.

• Obey all the rules of the road, and drive to the conditions of the road.

• Be courteous of other drivers.

• Focus on the road and avoid using electronic devices such as phones.

• Inspect all tyres and make sure they are in good condition. Keep all the necessary tools to change a tyre if needed.

• Ensure your car is roadworthy, in good condition and roadworthy – ready to take you to your destination, and bring you home again.