This being the season to be jolly, and being so far from home, Bobby Nitro is thinking ahead and getting his family wagon ready for the trip. Tyres are checked, that knocking has been fixed with new stabiliser rods, brakes, wheel alignment, the list goes on.
After all, Bobby must drive the precious family up coast, and get there safe and sound. So why take any risks with an under-functional cabbie?
According to the AA, over 135 000 people have lost their lives in road accidents over the past decade, so it’s natural to feel somewhat nervous going on a long journey. Brett Ferreira of Midas says: “Most of us have reached burnout and desperately need a holiday promising rest and relaxation, yet we’re concerned about the potential risks associated with a long drive on busy South African roads.”
Therefore, minimise the risk and take charge by paying attention to the following guidelines.
Get prepared. Ensure your vehicle is ready. Now check the safety features, test those seat belts, and make sure all passengers buckle up at all times, especially the kids who might get restless and nag about it. No compromise here, as a seatbelt makes all the difference in the case of a crash. Unbuckling for a snack should not be an option.
Before driving, get a good night’s rest, and try not to rush your departure. It’s better to leave a little later than to rush off half-organised. Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers out there, so stop when you feel tired.
Keep your eyes peeled and your reactions sharpened. You may be an aware driver, but you can’t rely on others being the same, so look out for erratic behaviour in other drivers, and observe a following distance that gives you time to react. Alcohol and cellphone use are big contributing factors to road deaths..
Talking about drunk drivers, they tend to be out there more during the night, so even though there is less traffic at night and some prefer to drive then, statistically it is safer during the day.
That said, a safe travel has but one end, to bring you and your family to a lekker rustig holiday. Season’s greetings.