SAFETY TIPS FOR CAR USERS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

SAFETY TIPS FOR CAR USERS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

The Christmas season is here again and during this time, family and friends get together to have fun. We make up with others we have not seen for the whole year. We enjoy ourselves and tend to throw the rules overboard. To maintain an incident free period and even if something happens it will be of minimal impact, car users are advised to keep these basic tips to usher us into the new year alive.

Here are a few.

• ·         Don’t drink and drive or vice versa. Taking alcohol will put you out of your normal self and you would not think correctly.
• ·         Obey the road rules and signs. If you don’t have much knowledge, find a book on them and read.
  
• ·         Make sure your driver’s license and insurance policies are up to date.
• ·         Properly plan your destinations. This will help avoid unnecessary traffic and help save your fuel.
• ·         It is advised to service your vehicle at least a week before the festive season. Pay much attention to the safety systems such as the brakes, lights, horn, windscreen wipers, tires and etc.
• ·         Always have a spare tire and vehicle tool kit.
• ·         Avoid taking medications which will make you drowsy.
• ·         Take note of flash points or hot zones in your vicinity. These areas have many people gathered there during these times.
• ·         Avoid over speeding.
• ·         Know the emergency numbers of the police, fire service and ambulance service so that in case of emergency you know who to call upon.
  
• ·         Get your own emergency numbers. At least three (3) people that can be contacted on your behalf if you are involved in an accident. These numbers can be written at a visible place in your car or even in your pocket.
•   Avoid tailgating. Tailgating is staying very close to the car in front of you. In case of emergency braking, there will be collusion. At least, there should be a 2 second lapse between you and the car in front.
•  Carry along a well equipped first aid kit. In any case of emergency, you can give the injured person a first aid treatment before you get help.

These basic tips seem insignificant but observing them will help us enjoy an incident free Christmas. Let’s stay safe and enjoy. Merry Christmas.