Tips to ensure you arrive home safely

WHETHER you are driving home across South Africa or just coming back from a nearby holiday town, it is important to make travelling as safe as possible for everyone using the road.

Here are some tips from RoadCover to help make sure you arrive safely:

TRAVELLING

Whether you are travelling near or far, always keep the following in mind: ý Plan your route: Know where you are going and how to get there. This will avoid confusion and keep you out of harm’s way when using a GPS or smart phone. ý Car maintenance: Check your tyre pressure and car levels such as water, oil and brake fluid and clean your windscreen. ý Self-maintenance: Many families leave at the crack of dawn to beat the rush hour traffic. Before embarking on your trip make sure you have had enough sleep and are not under the influence of alcohol.

DRIVING

ý Adopt defensive driving strategies. Study the road conditions and be aware of vehicles, pedestrians and any potential obstacles such as roadworks, a stationary vehicle or potholes. ý Being aware of your surroundings will help you react quickly and can often mean avoiding an accident. ý When travelling home from a bordering country make sure you are aware of their rules of the road. Speed limits may also change.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Keep in mind there are many people using the road: drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorbikes. We all share the road and respecting the rules of the road is important for us all.

SAFETY

Avoid travelling alone. If you have no choice, let someone know your intended destination.

ROAD ETIQUETTE

Try not to get upset over something over which you have no control. Be kind to road users and when someone gives you a gap, give them a smile or wave. ý RoadCover is a company that assists members in receiving 100% of their Road Accident Fund payouts without deducting any additional fees.