Prepare for your journey

This can be done by planning before your journey even begins.

ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring suggests that it’s important to get your vehicle serviced.

Make sure that it’s road worthy and in good condition before even embarking on your holiday.

There are also a number of necessities that one should pack in the vehicle before a journey, which will help should an emergency occur.

These include the following:

• A power bank for your cell phone, should you need an emergency charger.

• First aid kit.

• Fire extinguisher.

• Reflective warning triangles.

• Spare wheel.

• Jumper cables.

• Flashlight and batteries.

• Worker’s gloves.

• Tow rope.

• Multipurpose utility tool.

• Rain coat.

• Drinking water.

• Non-perishable snacks.

• Warm blanket.

He adds that on the journey, one should ensure these tips are followed to help keep the journey safe:

• Know your route and the rest stops along the way.

• Stop every 200km or 2 hours.

• Drink plenty of cool liquids to stay hydrated.

• Always wear a seat belt.

• Listen to some music while driving, to ensure you don’t become drowsy.

• Should you become drowsy, pull over in a safe area and have a good stretch and a brisk walk.

And since an emergency can happen at any time, keep the following in mind:

• Know where your closest hospital or general practitioners, are located.

• Have a list of the emergency services in the area and numbers.

• Make sure that each family member carries around a card, with all their emergency medical information.

Most importantly, remember to adhere to the rules of the road: don’t drink and drive, speed kills and have enough rest.