How to stay safe on the roads this Easter
Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself on the roads during the Easter weekend.
Are you planning on travelling this Easter weekend?
We have compiled a list of tips to help minimize your chances of getting involved in an accident on the roads.
Preparing for your trip:
- Check that your car license has not expired. There will be a lot of road blocks during the Easter Weekend and you don't want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
- Check your battery and ensure your battery is connected properly.
- Ensure your lights are working properly - both the front and rear lights. Also, check the brake lights and indicator lights. This will protect you and other drivers around you.
- Get enough fuel for the road and don't take a risk of driving long distance without ensuring you have enough petrol.
- Check your tyres and make sure they have good tread on them and are in good condition.
- Check all your car fluids. Ensure that the radiator water is at the required levels. Also, check the engine oil, radiator fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and clutch fluid.
- Pack a spare wheel and all the tools you will need to change a flat tyre.
- Have your cellphone fully charged and let your family or friends know where you are going.
- Know the route you will be taking to avoid getting lost and running out of petrol. Do some research about the route you will be using to find out if it is a high-accident zone. If it is, maybe consider another route.
READ: Five important car safety checks you should regularly carry out
While on the road:
- Make sure all the passengers are buckled up, including toddlers. The young ones need to be strapped safely in an approved car seat.
- Leave enough room between your car and the one in front of you to avoid being ‘boxed in', should you need to escape-
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not text and drive. If your cellphone is not connected to the Bluetooth in your car, do not answer your phone and talk on it while driving.
- Do not drive over the speed limit. Driving fast can endanger your life and those around you.
- Try to avoid driving at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings as distractions.
- Do not open your window to talk to anyone.
- Lock all your doors.
- Keep your windows closed.
- Put your belongings in the boot.
- Do not give strangers a ride.
- Park/ stop at a safe place, either a garage or where there are CCTV cameras.
- Before walking away from the car, make sure all doors are locked.
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Image courtesy of iStock/ @Valerii Apetroaiei