In the USA, the second leading cause of death in children behind firearms is motor vehicle accidents.
Last year, transport minister Fikile Mbalula revealed that 1 448 people died during the festive season in road accidents, while another report by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) concluded that the 12 545 lives lost in road accidents in 2021 cost the economy R188.31-billion.
The RTMC singled out Gauteng as having the highest number of road fatalities among youth in 2021.
In a June statement, RTMC said that “persistent risk-taking behaviour such as reluctance to use safety belts, driving at speeds that are too high for circumstances and driving under the influence of alcohol” were to blame for the alarming numbers.
Here are some safe driving tips to avoid becoming one of these alarming statistics.
Before driving
– Lights: Adjust the angle of your lights, check indicators and brake lights, and ensure you have spare bulbs if necessary.
– Wipers: Ensure the rubber is not cracked and that the wipers work well. They should not leave streaks or struggle to move when in operation.
– Tyres: Check the tread for any damage or too much wear, and check tyre pressure to ensure the tyres are sufficiently inflated.
– Brakes: Check the brake pads and disks, as well as the handbrake.
– Spare wheel: Ensure your spare is sufficiently inflated and in a good condition. Check the necessary tools are in good operation.
– Battery: Check that the battery is not leaking or damaged and does not have any charging problems.
– Emergency kit: A small first-aid kit, a compact torch, hazard triangles, a blanket, a bottle of water and jumper cables are a good start, but there is no limit to being prepared. Some like to keep items such as a power-bank, wet wipes and spare shoes that are sturdy in case you are wearing high heels or plakkies when the emergency strikes.
While driving
– Drive sober. According to Arrive Alive, over 50% of people who die in accidents in South Africa have alcohol in their blood. But it is not only alcohol that can be dangerous. Any substance that could slow your reaction time or perception should not be used when driving, including certain medications, marijuana, or drugs.
– Drive slower. Speed kills could be an over-used adage, but it is an important warning. Arrive Alive reported that research by the CSIR into the effects of speed and the outcomes of a vehicle accident directly affect fatalities in an accident in a linear way. So every kilometre per hour extra increases the risk of fatalities in an accident proportionately.
– Drive safer. Every person in the car should be wearing their own seatbelt and babies and small children should be secured in a car seat. The centre seat at the back is the safest in an accident as it is further away from impact points.
Long drives
– Take breaks. Driving requires a lot of concentration and can cause you to become tired quickly. Don’t push through the tiredness, rather take a short break.
– Share duties. Rotate driving responsibilities to preserve sharpness and reaction times. Even if your passenger can’t drive, allow them to navigate, be in charge of the music or be on the lookout for potholes and other hazards.
– Slow and steady. Speed is directly related to fatalities in an accident.
– Minimise distractions. Driving takes a lot of concentration and attention, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Loud music, sudden movements and other distractions make it harder to stay focused.
– Don’t eat and drive. Pull over and enjoy South Africa’s countryside when you need to eat. Just make sure the area you stop at is safe and you are ready to easily leave.
After driving
– Check your oil and fluid levels. Coolant, break fluids, windscreen wash, steering fluid, and especially oil levels.
– Check your tyres. Tyre pressure, punctures and slow leaks, wear and tear.
– Give your car a proper wash.
– Rotate your tyres.
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