Safety tips for the festive season

Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s licence with you.
Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow yourself enough time to reach the destination.
Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreens, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
Do not overload.
Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.
Have a good rest before you embark on your journey.
Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km. Rest, have an energy drink and continue once well rested.
Do not drink and drive.
Try to recognise potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them.
Be visible – drive with your lights on.
Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within the range of the main beam.
Always wear your seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
Drive defensively.
Stay within the speed limit at all times.
Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so.
Maintain at least a 2-second following distance – this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
Expect others to not be as obedient to the law as yourself.
Avoid distractions on the road such as texting, conversations on cellular phones etc.
Be courteous towards fellow road users – keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate
Know your emergency numbers.

SAU Roadside: 0800 002 883
Police Flying Squad: 10111
(Phone before an emergency to find out your local area number for a more direct line)
Ambulance: 10177
Crime Stop: 08600 10111
Cellphone Emergency: 112
(MTN, Vodacom and Cell C)
ER24: 084 124
Netcare: 082 911
Poison Hotline: 0861 555 777
Fire: 10177

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