Going on holiday is something that everyone looks forward to, but which also takes much planning and budgeting before it even begins. When the day arrives for your departure on holiday, there is usually great excitement and expectation in the air. The last thing anyone wants is for the drive to your destination to be affected by some avoidable mishap.
Holiday road safety tips1
The following are road safety tips that you should follow when going on holiday.
- Keep your doors locked1
Always travel with all doors locked. Fortunately, many modern cars automatically lock their doors when you start to drive. If you are, for instance, refuelling at a garage and are unable to lock the car’s doors using the remote on your ignition key, then know that someone is close by jamming the signal. Just leave someone in the car, while you quietly report it to the manager.
- When encountering city traffic1
While on holiday you may have to drive through a town during peak hour traffic. When stopping at a traffic light, make sure you leave adequate space between your car and the one in front for a possible emergency braking situation.
- Approaching stop signs and traffic lights1
The most significant advantage a potential hijacker looks for is if the car is stationary. While your vehicle is moving, you are in a much safer position. That is why you should approach a red light slowly to give it time to turn green by the time you get to it, if possible. Even when you do have to stop, stay alert and keep looking around you.
- Drawing funds from an ATM1
You are having a great holiday but need to visit the ATM to draw some money. Again, be very alert who is beside you and behind you at the ATM. It is better to have someone with you to act as an extra pair of eyes. When going home, make sure you are not being followed – otherwise drive to the nearest hotel car park, shopping mall, or police station. Only when you are satisfied all is clear do you venture to drive to your holiday apartment.
- Where do I park my car? 1
When at the beach, choose a place with secure parking, where you pay a guard at a closed boom gate. Never leave any valuables inside your car. Before leaving, always test the car doors to see if they are all locked. Someone may have jammed the signal from your remote control to prevent the doors from locking.
- Never stop on the freeway1
Besides being illegal, never stop on the freeway. You are at your most vulnerable when the car is stationary. If your car breaks down on the highway, make sure that you can find your road assistance telephone number as quickly as possible. Before going on holiday, remember to save all emergency numbers on your phone.
Have you got adequate cover while on holiday? 1
Having sufficient cover while on holiday will make all the difference. Should you be involved in an accident, and depending on your cover, your insurer will help you from providing roadside assistance to supplying you with an alternative car. Perhaps explore getting affordable car insurance with PMD if you are unsure.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Source:
1https://www.wheels24.co.za/Arrive-Safe/10-top-holiday-road-safety-tips-20141202
Also view:
Road Safety Tips for the Festive Season from ArriveAlive.co.za