10 tips to staying safe on the roads this Easter

MUCH different from last year’s Easter holidays, this year many South Africans have already hit the road, getting away to various holiday destinations around the country.

And, while many look forward to spending this time with family members and loved ones rather than in lockdown like last year, road safety must take priority.

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‘The Easter weekend has traditionally been disastrous as far as road crashes and road fatalities are concerned. In the last decade, 2 469 people have died on the country’s roads during this period. To prevent this annual carnage, road users must be vigilant and focused when on the roads,’ said the Automobile Association (AA).

According to the association, it is the responsibility of every road user to be safe while travelling over this long weekend.

‘Just because you’re not driving, doesn’t mean you’re not a road user. Passengers, commuters, pedestrians, cyclists, people riding motorbikes, and even people selling products on the roadside, are all road users. Along with electronic devices, drink, drugs and distractions are dangerous to all road users.’

Ahead of the Easter period, the AA offers the following tips for road users:

· Rest before travel. Do not make a journey – especially a long journey – if you are tired. While on the road, stop every two hours or 200km to stretch and get fresh air

· Put all non-essential electronic devices away. If you are driving with a cell phone, use it only when you have to, not when you want to

. Don’t text and drive

· Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt, drive to the conditions of the road, and obey all the road rules. Be courteous to other drivers

· The speed limit is not a target. Respect it

· Don’t overtake when it is illegal or unsafe to do so

· If you are a cyclist or are riding a motorbike, make yourself visible and ensure all protective clothing (including helmet) are in a good condition

· If you are a pedestrian, walk where it is safe and make yourself as visible as possible. Wear reflective vests, sashes or other items of clothing to make yourself stand out (especially at night on dimly or badly lit roads)

· Do not drink and drive

· Respect traffic law enforcement, it is there to ensure your and other road users’ safety. Enjoy your drive and arrive safely at your destination

· Whether you’re an AA member or not, download the AA app to ensure fast, reliable and secure service when you are on the road – not only from a vehicle point of view but also in terms of personal security through AA Armed Response

‘South Africa has a horrendous road safety record, and it doesn’t get better annually. While there are many things the government must do to improve road safety, it’s also the responsibility of road users to play their role. Without a conscious effort by road users to be safe, no actions by the government will ever work,’ said the AA.

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