Every year the number of accidents and fatalities on our roads during the festive season is alarming.<\/p>\n
Les Mc Master, chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), says all drivers need to take responsibility for their vehicles and the way they behave on the road to reduce the accident rate.<\/p>
Major contributing factors to fatal crashes over the festive season include speeding, overtaking when it is not safe to do so, fatigue, overloading and tyre bursts.<\/p>\n
\u201cCar owners can do a few simple checks to make sure their vehicles are ready for long road trips,\u201d said Mc Master.<\/p>
He highly recommends checking the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t ignore strange noises coming from your car. If you are unsure see a mechanic for a quick assessment,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Mc Master also urged drivers to ensure baby and children\u2019s car seats are correctly installed and that vehicles are not overloaded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also important to make sure that all items are properly secured in boots, on roof racks and the likes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Besides checking the vehicle, he pointed out that drivers need to be physically ready for a long journey.<\/p>\n \u201cMany accidents over the festive season can be avoided if drivers are alert, patient and considerate to other road users and, most importantly, take regular breaks.<\/p>\n \u201cRather give yourself extra time to get to your destination so you don\u2019t feel the need to rush.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep calm and don\u2019t take chances,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He offered these additional tips for drivers getting behind the wheel in the next few weeks:<\/p>\n It is important to plan your route, including re-fuelling points, rest points and any overnight stop if necessary.<\/p>\n Also ensure you get enough sleep the night before your trip to ensure you are not tired when driving.<\/p>\n It’s important to remember to properly charge your cellphone so you can contact emergency services should you need to.<\/p>\n Fatigue plays a large part in the number of road accidents.<\/p>\n Drivers and passengers should be aware of any signs of fatigue.<\/p>\n If the driver is drifting from lane to lane and jerking the vehicle back again, is daydreaming, constantly yawning, having difficulty focusing or keeping his\/her eyes open \u2013 it is time to stop and take a rest.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t rely on the radio or fresh air from an open window to keep you awake, rather pull off into a safe area, drink some coffee and try to have a 20 to 45 minute nap.<\/p>\n If you do need to rest, avoid suspicious areas and keep all your doors locked.<\/p>\n Where possible, rather pull over to a designated rest stop.<\/p>\n \u201cWith over 2 000 accredited MIWA workshops around the country, remember that you are never too far from a MIWA workshop if you need help.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s make sure this is a relaxed and accident-free festive season,\u201d Mc Master said.<\/p>\n\n
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