Keep safe on the road this Easter
2008-03-19
THE Easter holidays are just around the corner and where this means that we can look forward to a well deserved, relaxing break, there will also be a substantial increase in vehicles travelling on our roads. Routes most likely to be exceptionally busy as a result of the Easter long weekend, and schools closing at the same time, are the N1 North to Moria, the N3, N1 South to the Cape and the N4 to Mozambique. Bad driving, lack of adherence to driving laws and unroadworthy vehicles cause an average of 42 deaths a day, which cost the South African economy R50 billion per annum according to Gary Ronald, Public Affairs Manager of the Automobile Association. “Statistics show that you are 11 times more likely to die on the road in South Africa than driving in the United States of America,” says Ronald. “When it comes to adhering to the ‘rules of the road’ South Africans are notoriously lawless and, aside from the grief and hardship caused to families, the costs to our society are huge. The mindset is that if everyone else on the road is breaking the rules, so can I,” says Ronald. The Automobile Association (AA) urges motorists to observe the basic safety strategies in order to reach their destination safely and not let the trip be marred by tragedy. Before going on a long journey it is important that you plan your trip, and also carry out a safety check on your car. Vehicles can also be taken to an AA Test & Drive centre and have a 40 point holiday check carried out by one of their qualified technicians. In the interim, here is some advice from the AA to help motorists stay safe on the roads this Easter: Prior to your journey, check your car: • Check all of the vehicle’s lights – head lights, brake lights, tail lights and indicators. • Check the windscreen for chips and cracks which obstruct the driver’s view and make sure that the windscreen wiper rubbers are in a good condition and work. • Check the tread on all the tyres, including the spare wheel. Make sure that all the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, including the spare wheel. Ensure that you have a serviceable jack and the necessary tools for changing flat tyres. • Check the brakes, steering, battery and exhaust system. • Look for fuel, oil and water leaks that could be the sign of a possible future breakdown. • Have your vehicle serviced before you leave. • It is advisable to carry a spare fan belt and radiator hose, as well as extra oil, brake fluid and water, in suitable containers. When travelling in town or on the open road: • It is compulsory to wear your seatbelt at all times. This applies to passengers in the back of vehicles as well. • You must keep your driver’s licence and identity document (or passport) with you at all times. • South Africa has a zero tolerance policy towards ‘Drinking and Driving’. If you intend to consume alcohol make arrangements with a driver who will not be drinking, to drive you. • Keep to the speed limit at all times. • Be careful of pedestrians on the open road – they do not always realise that you are approaching at a high speed, and can misjudge the time it will take them to cross the road. • Be careful of animals on the open road – especially on rural ‘back roads’. Keep a look out for signs advising of animals on a certain stretch of road. • It is illegal to drive while talking on a cell phone, unless it is via a ‘hands-free’ kit. • Avoid fatigue and eyestrain by stopping frequently for breaks. • Try to remain calm in difficult situations. Accidents are often caused through impatience or panic. • If it is raining, turn your headlights and windscreen wipers on. Remember that oil and petrol on the road could cause you to skid or slide out of control, so reduce your speed and try not to brake suddenly. • When driving in fog, reduce your speed, keep to your side of the road and turn your headlights on low, or use foglamps if they are fitted to your car. Use the road markings or the verge of the road as a guide, but be alert for sudden looming obstacles. Plan your route: • Visit the AA website for an updated Road Conditions Report (www.aa.co.za). • Always ensure that a friend or family member, who is not travelling with you, is aware of the route that you are planning to travel. Ideally update them on your progress, and when you eventually reach the destination. In this way you have someone else who can provide emergency services of your trip, route, progress, etc. In many cases vehicle breakdowns are caused by relatively minor problems that could be solved if you had the right equipment with you.
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