With the school holidays upon us, many families have headed off on the roads and are likely preparing to return from their destinations. If you are behind the wheel during this time, follow these tips to ensure you return home safely.
Do the proper preparation.
- The first thing to do is to make sure your vehicle’s maintenance is up to scratch.
The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, explains: “Before setting off on a long journey ensure your services are up-to-date, windscreen wipers have not degraded, tyres are not worn and are correctly inflated. Crashes as a result of ill-maintained vehicles are a common occurrence.”
- Second, know your route. Plan when and where you will stop to rest, plan to have enough time so you don’t end up pushing yourself into the fatigue zone, and pay close attention to particular stretches of the road that are more dangerous than others.
- Third, be watchful. Pre-emptive or defensive driving means paying close attention to following distances, watching out for any reckless drivers and staying well clear of them.
Eugene says: “This includes watching the sides of the roads for pedestrians and animals which may suddenly cross. Every year, one of the largest groups of fatalities is pedestrians.”
- Fourth, be wys. Studies suggest that fatigued driving is becoming as large a threat as drunken driving. Get a good night’s sleep before setting off. If you feel sleepy while driving, take a break and wait until you feel refreshed before leaving again.
- Fifth, take care of yourself. Make sure you are properly hydrated and fed. This will help with your concentration levels and avoid the energy crash that often follows consuming unhealthy foods and sugary drinks.