Like most would say prevention is better than cure, it is no secret that criminals
take advantage during festive season given that the majority of people are busy.
Whether you go out on holiday, spend time outdoors/indoors, go on road trips or your
that free spirit kind of person anything goes and whatever way you chose to spend your
holidays, you have to ensure that yourself along with the family are safe at all times.
Here are some of the safety tips you can apply daily, this article is in two parts with a
focus on steps individuals can take to be safe and road safety.
Criminals are wide awake on the festive season it can physical or digital as a lot of
people are warming up to the idea of online shopping to safe time.
1. Consider travelling in groups at night and if encountered by criminals report the
offence to your nearest police station. Be sure to look for details you can use to
describe the offenders, check for their gender, height, skin tone, clothes, the language
used for communication, hairstyle and colour.
2. Avoid risky areas, for example, when streets lights do not function at night look
for alternatives routes.
3. Check if all doors, windows and the gate at home are locked before you take off,
it is always wise to inform your neighbours when you go out for long hours, road trip or
holiday so that the neighbours can react or report any suspicions. Switch off all
electronica appliances excluding those in use.
4. Research before you buy online; lookout for scams and hackers who steal credit
card details.
According to The National Cyber Security Alliance before you shop online make sure
that online retailers are legitimate, make sure the website is secure and keep software
and virus protection up to date and utilize strong passwords for online accounts.
Also read: Safeguard your home and neighbourhood this festive season
Moving on to road safety, the death stats become a stressing factor during the festive
season. According to statistics released by former transport minister early this year, the
death toll went up, 1 612 people died on South African roads between 1 December and
8 January 2019.
Here are tips courtesy Arrive Alive to help you drive and make responsible decisions on
the road. Follow the rules of the road and carry your driver’s license with you, plan the
route to your holiday destination prior to departure and allow yourself enough time to
reach the destination.
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