{"id":226552,"date":"2019-12-30T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-30T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=226552"},"modified":"2019-12-24T15:44:16","modified_gmt":"2019-12-24T13:44:16","slug":"preparing-safe-travels-festive-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/12\/30\/preparing-safe-travels-festive-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for safe travels this festive season"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa over 135\u00a0000 people have lost their lives in road accidents over the past decade.<\/p>\n

This has been declared \u2018a national crisis\u2019 by the AA and comes at a time when road safety is a challenge for the transport system in our country.<\/p>

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\u201cIt\u2019s natural to feel somewhat anxious before leaving on a long journey to your holiday destination,\u201d said Brett Ferreira, franchise executive at Midas.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of us have reached burnout and desperately need a holiday promising rest and relaxation, yet we\u2019re concerned about the potential risks associated with a long drive on busy South African roads.\u201d<\/p>

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In order to make your trip as safe and pleasant as possible, it\u2019s important to take charge of every aspect of the journey that you can control; before you depart; and to approach it in a cautious and balanced manner.<\/p>\n

Midas, offers the following tips on how to prepare and embark on a long drive – with optimal safety in mind:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Prepare, prepare, prepare:<\/strong>
\nMake sure your vehicle is ready for the trip. It\u2019s easy to overlook low tyre tread or a slight steering pull in the grinding last few weeks of the working year. Small issues like wheel alignment or tyres taking pressure from an increased load, easily become larger (even fatal), ones. So, factor in time to prepare.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Buckle up and check your safety features:<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s important to ask yourself, how safe is my car?
\nSafety belts are critical for every passenger, no matter where they sit. The instruction to \u201cbuckle up\u201d is non-negotiable. Statistics show that wearing a seatbelt makes all the difference in protecting one from possible injury, should an accident occur. Younger toddlers and babies need to be strapped safely into an approved car seat and unbuckling for a snack shouldn\u2019t be an option. To help avoid little ones getting restless, place a bag of travel activities within their reach or possibly a tablet with their favourite movies downloaded on it.
\nWhilst many cars in South Africa still don\u2019t come fitted with airbags (standard in many countries overseas) if yours does, it\u2019s best to get them checked before you leave. You approved dealer should be able to test they\u2019re in good working order. Other essential built-in safety features include: ABS brakes and ESC (electronic stability control) mechanisms. Also, don\u2019t forget the first aid kit.<\/p>\n

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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n

Buying a new car at year-end? Make sure you get the best deal on your old one<\/a><\/p>\n

Heed these helpful tips with travelling with your pets these holidays<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2022 Get a good night\u2019s rest and be at your best:<\/strong>
\nDon\u2019t overdo things the day before you leave. Get at least seven hours sleep the night before. Health-niggles related to your back, eyesight or ability to concentrate, should be seen to prior. Keep your mind fresh on the trip by stopping every 200km or so. Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers on our roads.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Know your route:<\/strong>
\nWhether you’re using a map, an app or Satnav, know the route and distance you’re taking and keep to familiar ones if possible. If you\u2019re venturing into unknown or remote areas, factor-in extra time and take emergency supplies like water, snacks and a power bank.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Defensive driving:<\/strong>
\nAlways apply the defensive driving principle. Rather be cautious and look out for other drivers\u2019 erratic behaviour. Statistics show that alcohol is a factor in 58 per cent of road fatalities in SA. Speeding and using a cellphone while driving are other contributing factors.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Choose the smart speed:<\/strong>
\nGoing too fast or too slow can significantly increase the risk of an accident. Go too slow and everyone will want to get past and take chances – putting you into the path of danger. Drive too quickly and you may not able to slow down in time, if something goes wrong. It\u2019s safest to stick to the speed limit. Never overtake if you’re not sure you’ll get to the other side safely and always leave margin for error.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Drive during the day:<\/strong>
\nMany prefer driving long-distance at night because the roads are quieter. Yet stats show that driving then is a lot more dangerous. There\u2019s obviously a significant decrease in visibility and diminished speed\/distance judgement. Also, more drunk drivers. You may contend with more traffic and summer heat, when driving during the day, but it’s still, by far, the safest.<\/p>\n

Your holiday should start from the moment you leave home, make the most of your journey and see the travel time together as an adventure that good memories are made from.<\/p>\n

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Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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