Below are crucial safety tips from ArriveAlive.co.za to guide all those who will be on the roads over the holiday season.
- Ensure that you have a good rest before embarking on your journey.
- Make sure you plan your route to your destination in advance and give yourself some additional time for any possible delays.
- It is important to make sure that your vehicle is in a good roadworthy condition before even leaving for your journey.
- Do not overload the car with many people or unnecessary luggage.
- Do not drink and drive, text or use a cellphone and avoid distractions such as arguments.
- All drivers should carry their driver’s license at all times and they should make sure that everybody in the car is wearing their seat belt.
- Always drive within the set speed limit and only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so.
- Maintain a safe following distance especially at night, in bad weather conditions and when the roads are wet.
- Keep an eye on potential dangerous drivers and passengers alongside the road.
- If possible try to avoid drinking any liquids after dark and make sure you drive with your lights on in the dark.
- Do not drive for long periods of time without resting – at least make sure you are taking safety breaks every two hours or 200km to rest, have an energy drink and once well rested continue with your journey.
- Know your emergency safety numbers so that you can contact the relevant people quickly when you need help.