Drive safe these holidays

12 December 2011 - 23:08 By Quickpic
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From today onwards the roads across South Africa are going to be packed as families make their way to their holiday destinations; and driving in a country which has some of the worst road accident statistics in the world, it is important to make sure we are prepared as best we can when making that trip.

Tyre manufacturer Goodyear has come up with some advice on how to make your journey as pleasant and safe as possible.

On the road with kids

Keeping your family safe on the journey to your holiday destination is of the highest priority.

Making sure all passengers wear their seatbelt at all times and checking that children are seated securely in an appropriate child seat will help ensure you have a safe and relaxed start to your holiday.

The importance of your children's safety and comfort during the often-long summer journey goes above anything else.

Always using and correctly fitting a restraint most appropriate to your child's size is crucial and significantly reduces their risk of injury in a crash.

Children smaller than 1.5m should be transported in an approved, appropriate child seat. Here are some guidelines:

  • Children weighing less than 13kg: baby seat
  • Children weighing between 9 and 18kg: child car seat
  • Children weighing from 15kg: booster seat

Ensure that your child understands the importance of being safely strapped in for every journey.

Only as late as possible you should teach your child how to open the safety belt since you can never be sure that they won't do this while you're driving.

Before you depart, double check the child safety or booster seat to ensure it is installed properly. If it wasn't bought recently, make sure it is still the correct model for your child's height and weight.

When planning long journeys with children, consider travelling in the cooler hours of the day and taking a long break during the hot hours. Take the time to stop every two hours so all passengers have an opportunity to move freely for a few minutes.

If you don't already have sunshades on the car's windows, summer is a good time to consider purchasing some. If your kids are going to be spending quality time in the car, you want them to be comfortable.

Make sure everybody drinks enough during the drive. Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a few minutes.

During a typical summer's day, the temperatures inside a parked car could rise to 30 to 40°C hotter than the outside temperature - easily reaching 60°C or more degrees.

Remember to cover the child seat when parking on hot days to avoid burning the child on hot metal fittings when you return.

Keep in mind that children should also be dressed appropriately for long-distance travel, in clothing that is comfortable and promotes airflow.

Keeping your kids occupied during long journeys makes it more pleasant for everyone. Offer your kids toys that they can play with during the drive but choose soft toys - heavy or sharp items do not belong in the inside of the vehicle while driving.

Special children's CDs and DVDs and children books also help alleviate the boredom of long journeys.

Always concentrate on the road

Whatever children do in the back of the car while driving, the first priority for the driver is always to be fully concentrated on the road.

The driver should never take his or her eyes off the road. Turning around or watching your children in the rear-view mirror distracts you and will increase the risk of an accident.

At a speed of 100km/h a car drives about 30m per second. Turning around to your kids might cost three seconds in which you have driven almost 100m blindly.

Not all rest stops can be planned. If a child needs special attention it is best to add an extra stop instead of risking the safety of the entire family by trying to see to a child on the back seat while driving. Breaking down can be a stressful and worrying experience. Having a flat tyre is obviously more worrying when there are young children in the car.

Run-flat tyres are an option - drivers no longer have to make that dangerous stop at the side of the road to change a tyre and can keep on driving for 80km after a puncture.

Most caravans, boats and trailers don't see much action during the year.

In fact, it's often only around holiday time that they are rolled off their patch of grass and hooked up to go - but after standing so long, chances are their wheels are no longer in good shape.

"When caravans and trailers stand in one place for an extended period, their tyres will probably develop a 'flat spot' from the prolonged slight pressure. Ideally, one should remove the wheel and tyre and put the caravans and trailers on stands while they're not being used. I would strongly advise owners to have their tyres' condition checked at a reputable service centre," Lize Hayward, Goodyear group public relations manager, said.

"Wheel bearings, particularly those on boat trailers which are exposed to salt water, should be checked for corrosion. Tyres need to be checked for cracks and penetrations, and the technician will check that there is still sufficient tread depth on the tyres. Don't forget to get the spare tyre checked too!"

Make sure your tyres' pressure is correct. This will save on fuel and ensure a safe, comfortable ride.

According to Goodyear, motorists should have their vehicles and caravans inspected at professional tyre and service outlets.

Fit to tow?

A safe, enjoyable camping trip begins with a car and caravan properly serviced and ready for the journey. Only choose a car and caravan that are compatible, use the best towing equipment and practise some of the skills that are needed to cope with any situation that might arise.

"Drivers need to be aware that driving a car and caravan combination still requires practice and skill. A well-prepared driver, car and caravan are a precondition for a safe and enjoyable trip," Hi-Q general manager Andrew Bowren said.

Pack wisely

Packing the caravan correctly is crucial. Many of the problems associated with towing a caravan are a result of it being badly loaded and/or overloaded.

Try to put all the heavy items as low as possible in the caravan, preferably over the axle, and make sure they are secured to prevent any movement when turning corners or braking sharply. If possible, always put heavier items in the car and larger, lighter items in the caravan.

Expect the unexpected

"Setting off well prepared also helps to minimise the stress of an unexpected and unpleasant emergency situation. Don't forget to invest in a well-equipped spares and tool kit.

Spare bulbs, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are legal requirements in many first world countries.

A spare tyre or quick repair kit is also essential. Nearside and offside extending mirrors are a must, to see what is happening behind you," Bowren said.

Tow responsibly

Towing a caravan can be a daunting task at first.

"One of the most important towing tips: take it easy! Anyone towing a caravan should be calm and relaxed. Being aware of the surrounding traffic conditions, limiting your cruising speed to 80km/h or 100km/h, depending on what your caravan is legally limited to. And of course, you have to respect the speed limit where you are travelling. Keeping a safe distance will give you enough time to react and stop if necessary and will help you stay calm and in control," Bowren said.

Keep enough following distance to anticipate traffic ahead. Only overtake other vehicles, particularly trucks, when you are certain there is ample space and time to do so. Never try to rush overtaking a vehicle!

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