7 road safety tips for the festive season holiday drive
The festive season turns South Africa’s roads into a busy network of families, luggage and best intentions. It is the time of year when everyone is trying to get somewhere, and the smallest lapse can undo an entire holiday. Online research has shown that a few simple habits can make the journey far safer and a lot less stressful. Here are seven ways, said Justin Louwrens of Car Care Clinic at The Square Shopping Centre, to keep yourself, your passengers and everyone around you safe on the road.
Do the full car check
Think of it as a quick check-in. Tyre pressure sorted. Oil and water topped up. Lights working. It is the equivalent of patting your pockets before leaving the house but for your car. A few minutes under the bonnet and around the wheels can keep you from being the person stranded on the highway watching others cruise past. Online research has shown that most roadside problems happen because basic checks were skipped.
Make sure to rest
Fatigue does not arrive with an announcement. It sneaks up slowly and then takes over in one long blink. Online research has shown that tiredness is one of the biggest risks on long trips. If your eyes start taking their time reopening, stop the car. Step out, stretch, get some fresh air and give your mind ten minutes to reset. The goal is not to be the fastest traveller on the road. The goal is to arrive.
Make sure to focus
Road trips come with playlists, snacks and a car full of conversation. All of it makes the drive feel lighter, but distracted driving is still distracted driving. Set everything up before you leave. Choose your music, settle the passengers and make sure your snacks are within reach. Online research has shown that planning ahead reduces the temptation to fiddle with the radio or phone while driving.
Time-management
Traffic jams, lane closures, holiday roadblocks, a stop-and-go in the middle of nowhere. Anything can delay a trip during this time of year. Leaving early gives you more patience and a calmer driving style. When you are not rushing, you are far more likely to make safe decisions. Online research has shown that people who plan for delays tend to drive more responsibly.
Make sure to use your seatbelt
Seatbelts are not decorative. They are simple pieces of equipment that save lives every day. Buckle up, even for short distances, and insist that everyone in the car does the same. There is no polite exception. Online research has shown that seatbelts remain one of the most effective safety measures on the road.
Check the weather
Holiday trips come with every kind of weather. Rain that blinds, wind that pushes, and heat that feels like it is bouncing off the tar. If it is raining, slow down and widen the gap between you and the car ahead. If it is hot, remember that extreme heat can strain tyres. Online research has shown that weather conditions often play a major role in festive-season accidents.
Trust yourself when driving
This time of year brings out every type of driver. The impatient overtaker. The person who thinks indicators are optional. The stranger weaving slightly too close for comfort. Never assume everyone around you is paying attention. Stay alert and trust your instincts. If another driver’s behaviour makes you uneasy, give them space. Online research has shown that defensive driving is one of the best protections you have on the road.
