Tips for staying safe on the roads

AA offers advice to help travellers during the holidays

AS MANY people make arrangements to take to the road to their holiday destinations, the AA has urged motorists to prepare early for what is the busiest and most dangerous time to be on South African roads.

“Statistics show more people are on our roads during the holiday break, and more people die in car crashes during this festive period than any other time,” says the AA.

“Preparing your vehicle ahead of the holidays is important, but so is ensuring you have a positive attitude behind the wheel, especially if you are going to be travelling long distances.”

The association says vehicles, including trailers and caravans, must be roadworthy and checked before embarking on a long journey.

Vehicles should be in good condition for a round trip to your destination and back home again.

“If your vehicle needs a service, book it in as soon as possible as spaces get filled closer to the holiday season and you might not get a slot. If this happens, you run the risk of leaving on a long journey with a vehicle that might not be as sound as you think.

“Don’t forget your trailers and caravans. Check tyres, spare wheels, nuts, bolts and axles.

“Don’t risk your plans by having a towed vehicle break down due to bad planning or non-servicing.”

If you have a vehicle that is out of warranty, or which has outlived its service plan, pick up a product that will cover your high-risk maintenance and service needs.

The AA says road death statistics show that around 92% of vehicle fatalities are a result of human behaviour, rather than vehicle, road or environmental conditions.

“The numbers show that drivers need to adjust their attitude when they are behind the wheel. Put your cellphones away while driving, adhere to the speed limit, obey the rules of the road, and importantly, be courteous to other drivers and enjoy the journey.”

Checklist for motorists:

Plan your route, including stops, and ensure you stop every 200kms or every two hours to rest, refuel and refresh.

Try to avoid the rush days when there is bound to be heavier traffic. If possible, leave a day sooner, or a day later. Do the same for the return leg of your journey.

Buckle up. This includes passengers, including toddlers under three who, legally, must be in a child restraint, and children 1.3m or shorter who need to be in booster seats. Obey the rules of the road, and drive according to the conditions. For example, if the road is marked 120km but visibility is poor, decrease your speed.

Remember everyone has a right to be on the road.

Make sure of arrangements for overnight accommodation before you leave. For AA qualityassured accommodation visit www.qa.aatravel.co.za. Inspect tyres (including the spare) and make sure they have sufficient tread for the road ahead. Tyres that are bald, or under or over inflated, can be dangerous.

Check you have all the necessary tools to change a tyre if needed, including a red warning triangle. Download the AA app on your cellphone for easy use in case of an emergency. It’s available for Apple and Android.

Focus on the road and on other drivers – distracted driving diminishes reaction time.

Plan a route off the beaten path and experience a bit more of South Africa than the regular routes. Take your time in order to arrive at your destination feeling calm and rested. A good place to start is on the AA’s website at www.aa.co.za, which will give you road conditions. Always have water, a first aid kit, and a cellphone charger in your car for emergencies.

“The festive season is a time of family and friends; it should not be spent on the side of the road with a broken down vehicle, or stranded without accommodation,” the AA says.

“Plan you trip properly, prepare your vehicle for your and your family’s safety and, most importantly, have the right attitude when you are driving.” | AA