Stay alert and safe

Stay alert & safe

It's the time of fun in the sun, so more people are venturing out. With busy roads and destinations to reach, follow these tips to help keep safe.

By Adv. Johan Jonck, Arrive Alive

Gear up for your journey

• Obey the rules of the road and always have your driver's licence. • Use a GPS navigation or road atlas, and give yourself enough time to reach the destination. • Do not get stranded without fuel – plan ahead where you will refuel. • Plan rest stops along the way. • Ensure that a friend/family member is aware of the route that you are planning to travel.

Ideally, update them on your progress and alert them when you have reached your destination safely. • Try to avoid driving after dark. Be roadworthy

• Take your vehicle for a full check before embarking on your holiday travels. Check that all lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres are examined for faults. • Do not overload your vehicle.

Stay alert

• Rest before your journey. • Take safety breaks every two hours or 200km. • Do not drink and drive. If you intend to consume alcohol, make alternative arrangements so you will not be behind the wheel. • Remain alert and avoid driver distractions such as cellular

conversations, texting etc. • Always wear your seat belt and ensure all passengers do likewise.

Depending on age and weight, babies must be in a car seat, toddlers in a booster seat and older children must wear a seatbelt.

Defensive driving

• Drive defensively. • Avoid all distractions, keep both eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel. • Be visible by driving with your lights on. • Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within range of the main beam. • Stay within the speed limit.

• Be especially alert when approaching traffi c lights, intersections and level crossings. • Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so. • Maintain a 3-second following distance – this distance should be increased at night and in foggy/ rainy/wet conditions. • Avoid driving in the blind spot of other vehicles. • Be courteous towards fellow road users, and resist any urge to retaliate to inconsiderate drivers. • Be cautious when driving alone, and avoid stopping in remote areas.

Criminality

• Remain alert in any areas that might present a threat of criminal activity such as hijackings and smash-and-grab. • Place your valuables in the boot and don't leave items such as cell phones and wallets in open sight, unattended, or on the seat.

Ensure the safety of all road users

• Try to recognise potentially dangerous drivers and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them. • Try to keep children away from

playing on and near the roads. • When walking near traffi c, avoid distractions and be visible. • Bikers should ride with lights on and wear protective clothing. • Bikers should avoid being in a truck’s blind spot or “No-Zone.” • Pay attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles. • Avoid cycling alone as there is increased safety in numbers. • Inform friends/family when you will be cycling, the route you are taking and your expected return. • Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case of an emergency. • Cycle in single fi le and wear a safety helmet.

Safe driving in challenging road conditions

• Always adjust your driving to the driving conditions and environment. • If it is raining, turn your headlights and windscreen wipers on. Try to reduce speed and try not to brake suddenly. If the road is wet or if there is an oil/petrol spill on the road, sudden braking can cause a vehicle to skid out of control. • If there is fog, reduce speed and turn headlights on low or use fog lamps. • If you cannot see or operate the vehicle safely, please do not drive. • Travelling with small children can be a challenge. It’s advisable to pack a variety of their favourite snacks and toys to keep them occupied.

Emergency stops and accidents

• Try to avoid stopping on the highway. Rather take the next off ramp to stop in a more public area where you can stretch, refresh yourself and/or take a break from driving; and have numbers for roadside assistance and other emergencies close at hand or saved on your cell phone. • Keep essential roadside equipment with you. Items include a fi rst aid kit, tow rope, warning triangles, torch and fi re extinguisher. • In the event of an accident, determine the extent of the damage/injuries and assess if medical attention is required. • Take a picture with a camera or mobile phone and fi le an accident report with the police as you will need a case number for your insurance company to fi le a claim. Remember to get names, addresses, telephone numbers and ID numbers of everyone involved in the accident.

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