What you need to know before you hit the road this holiday season

The facts are sobering and that’s why we’re sharing them with you. Road Safety, particularly over the holiday season is of paramount importance. The stats reveal that:
• An estimated 1 in 4 crashes involve cell phone distraction, hand-held or hands free. (South African Guild of Motoring Journalists – SAGMJ)
• More than 900 people become spinal cord injured in South Africa per annum and half of these from road accidents, the impact on their lives and the lives of their families are devastating and the cost immeasurable. (Quadruple Association of South Africa – QASA)
• By wearing a seatbelt you reduce the chance of death in the case of a motor vehicle accident by 45%. (South African Guild of Motoring Journalists – SAGMJ)
• The two busiest weekends on South African Roads this holiday are: 9/10 December and 7/8 January
Prepare in advance so that you are not in a hurry and tempted to take unnecessary risks on the road. Pack toys that will keep children occupied and happy and allow the driver to concentrate on the road. Finally, do the vital checks before you go:
• tyre check (check the spare too)
• check oil levels and keep a list of emergency numbers in the cubbyhole
• check controls and switches for lights, wipers, mirrors and demisters
• medical aid kit in the car where it is accessible
• ensure that all bulbs on your vehicle are in working order to ensure that you can see and be seen
• get any nagging noise or vibrations evaluated by a reputable professional
Important note to parents – South African law requires that small children up to the age of 3 years old or under 21 kilograms, should be strapped in using an approved baby car seat. Thereafter, the law states that your child must be buckled up using the standard fitted restraints / seat belts. A booster seat or seat-belt positioner must be used for children under the age of 12 in order for them to wear the seat belt in the correct way. Booster seats are used to keep children safe and can only be used on the back seat of the car only.