Bright advice for a safe journey over the Long weekend 

Road Safety Matters

The Easter period is synonymous with the highest fatality rates on our roads, considering that we wish to share some bright advice for all holidaymakers.

Safety check

Make sure you do a proper vehicle inspection, ensure that your vehicle’s tyre tread is not less than 1mm.

Replace windscreen wipers.

Lastly ensure that your headlights, taillights and indicator lights are in a working condition.

Don’t overload

Manage your load. It is advised that overloading your vehicle could limit visibility and minimises your vehicle’s stability.

Overloading also increases fuel consumption and decreases your breaking speed.

Heavy baggage should be packed in the boot and it is advised that one uses a ratchet tie instead of hand-knotted synthetic rope.

If one needs to perform an emergency brake; the force of gravity might lead to the synthetic ropes snapping.

Buckle up

This is the most important rule of the road, all passengers including the driver should wear seatbelts. It is advised that children from birth up to ten years old need to be strapped into a car seat.

Following distance

Always maintain a safe following distance. Use the speed limit indicated on the road signs

Come rain or sunshine

You should consider the weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly:

Rainy conditions:

• Increase your following distance – wet roads are generally slippery
• Ensure that your headlights are switched on
• Avoid potholes
• Be on high alert for concealed puddles

Sunny conditions:

• Make use of the sun visor
• Our visibility is limited when driving on a steep incline which is sun facing. When you reach the top of the incline ensure that you remove your foot from the accelerator.
• Wear polarised lens
• Ensure that your sunglasses are clean- ask your passenger to wipe them with a microfibre cloth.

No Distractions

Never allow any passenger to distract you while driving, particularly the front passenger. Play upbeat, lively music at a reasonable volume. Ensure that your children have activities that will keep them occupied. Do not use your phone or text while driving.

Use a hand free set for your GPS navigation system.

Proceed with caution

• Peak morning and evening traffic periods
• Sunrise and sunset
• Early hours of the morning – when bars and clubs close

Your safety matters to us, always remember to take regular breaks, to switch drivers and to be well rested. We all want to arrive alive and return home safely. Do your bit to ensure that you act responsibly this weekend.

2019/04/18
By Kendall Seale