After a long and hard 2017, the promise of holidays just around the corner is welcome.However, in our enthusiasm to get into the vacation groove, we may forget about the importance of staying safe on the road. Here are our tips for safer holiday road trips:
Get the Environment Right
Before hitting the road, prepare your vehicle for the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers.
Adjust your seat to a position that will be comfortable for longer periods of time.
Fit your electronic devices – such as cell phone and/or GPS – onto mounts where they can be seen and charged readily.
Prepare the kids’ area so that they can easily reach entertainment items such as movies, audio books, games and art supplies.
Place snacks and water bottles within reach of the driver and passengers. Do not, however, let food sit unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Pack a hand sanitizer, and use it to clean the family’s hands before eating.
Safety First
Always keep your doors locked and valuables out of sight. If your windows must be open, keep the opening narrow enough that a hand cannot fit through it.
Do not stop on a highway. Not only is it illegal, but it is an unsafe practice. Take the next off-ramp instead. For emergencies, save the numbers for roadside assistance and other emergency services on your cell phone. Many vehicle brands offer 24-hour roadside assistance (Nissan’s roadside assistance number is 0800 647726 and the Mercedes number is 1800 133 355). Other South African emergency numbers include Nationwide Emergency Response (10111); Ambulance response (10177); and Cell phone emergency (112), which can be called from any cell phone in South Africa.
Long drives can be tiring, so plan time for rest stops.
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