Driving safety tips

By Kath Gannaway
ALTHOUGH all holiday periods signify a dangerous time on the roads, the Christmas and New Year period is one of the deadliest.
One area that is vitally important but easily overlooked is the condition of people’s cars when they go on long trips.
“Cars should be kept maintained at all times of the year and not just before the festive season,” said John Saunders CEO of Insure Simply and Horsell International.
“The condition of your car can have a critical impact on the outcome of a road incident, and ultimately can have a major impact on your financial health.
“For example, if an accident is caused by bad brakes or faulty windscreen wipers, and their poor condition was obvious beforehand, this could cause a claim to be denied,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s a driver’s responsibility to consider their insurance terms and conditions. It’s important that people are aware of what they are covered for when it comes to insurance policies, as they usually exclude cover for damage when a driver is drunk and when a car is unroadworthy,” he said.
Mr Saunders, has compiled the following motor vehicle checklist to prepare drivers for a safer road trip this Christmas and New Year holiday period:
Check it out!
• Have your car serviced before you travel to identify any problems and avoid break downs;
• Change the oil in your car and oil filter (as specified in your manual);
• Make sure your windscreen wipers fluid reservoir is full;
• Change the blades of old windscreen wipers;
• Inspect tyres for nails, uneven wearing, and cupping;
• Check tyre pressure;
• Do not set unrealistic time schedules as this will cause speeding and carelessness. Arrive safely, not early;
• Do not take stimulants to stay awake on long journeys, rather stop, revive and survive;
• Reduce distractions in the car by keeping children occupied with toys;
• Make sure the heater and air conditioning works;
• Make sure all car lights are working, including high beams and fog lights;
• Have an emergency pack for break-downs including blankets, high energy snacks, gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, a flashlight, mobile phone and water to alleviate dehydration;
• Before allowing your car to be towed, check the tow truck drivers ID and text the details to someone;
• For safety purposes, if women break down, they should sit in the passenger seat while waiting help – as it looks like the driver is expected back;
• Wear a seat belt;
• Don’t drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• If involved in an accident, the first priority is any injured person. Second is the safety of those around and in the cars – don’t let kids jump out of the car unless it is essential. Third is the traffic – be considerate and move cars out of the way of traffic, if possible, to avoid causing frustration to others.