ROAD SAFETY

MOTORISTS are urged to be vigilant. Insurer Dialdirect offers the following tips to help you avoid becoming a statistic this festive season:

• Before you take to the road, be sure to check, among other things, your vehicle’s lights, wipers, wheels and tyres, brakes, suspension, battery, belts and chains, cooling system, filters, safety and warning equipment, and child seats.

• Plan your trip carefully and use the technology at your disposal to avoid problem areas. • Keep a safe following distance. • Stick to the speed limit. A 10% decrease in speed reduces fatal crashes by 40%.

• Avoid tailgating and sudden, erratic movements. Minimise lane changes. Signal early. Accelerate and brake gradually. Keep pace with the traffic. If you need to overtake, do so only where it’s legal and safe.

• Make sure your load is within your vehicle’s capabilities and that it is properly secured. All trailers are required to have a safety chain, in the event of tow-bar failure.

• You should get at least seven hours’ sleep before a long-distance trip. Avoid travelling during your body’s downtime, which for most people is between 2am and 6am.

• Do not drive when you’re tired. Avoid having sugary or fatty snacks, energy drinks and caffeine to keep you going. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods and pull over to rest properly when you need to.