Women Influence for Safer Roads
Safety tips for your holiday trip
We want you and your loved ones to be safe on the road this holiday season. Following the tips below will help keep you safe. We encourage you to take these factors into account when planning your journey to help you reach your destination safely and comfortably.
Before your trip
Plan your trip well in advance. This will give you time to decide which routes are the safest and to avoid roadworks, bad weather, and high accident zones. Plan regular rest-stops every 200 km or every 2 hours to avoid getting tired while driving.
Consider having your car serviced by a qualified service mechanic.
Have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres checked for faults and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before departure.
If you are on medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medication might make you drowsy.
Make sure to rest properly before embarking on a long journey.
On the road
Have your driver’s licence with you at all times.
Always make sure you and your passengers are buckled up.
Always adhere to the speed limit – driving too fast or too slowly can be a potential hazard.
Keep a safe following distance so that you have enough time to react in an emergency. Remember to increase your following distance when visibility is poor and when the road is wet.
Drive with your lights on – this will make you more visible to other drivers.
Dip your headlights at night well before an approaching vehicle is close. Also remember to dip your lights as you approach vehicles in front of you.
Be courteous and patient with other road users.
Remember that drivers may only travel in the emergency lane if they can see the road ahead is clear for 150 m. Don’t expect the driver in front of you to move over just because you are in a hurry.
Drive defensively. Don’t assume that other drivers will do what they are supposed to do.
Only overtake when it is absolutely safe. Never overtake on a blind rise or where there is a solid white line.
Always check your blind spot before changing lanes, even when the road seems deserted.
Always be cautious when approaching a railway crossing. Be sure to slow down and cross only when it is safe to do so.
Stay alert and keep an eye on what’s happening around you.
Always be prepared for emergencies. Carry an emergency kit with items that will come in handy if you’re stranded on the side of the road or involved in a vehicle crash.
Watch out for potentially dangerous drivers and for pedestrians walking along the road and keep well clear of them. Find out more about pedestrian safety.
Be on the lookout for obstructions like potholes or animals that may stray into the road, especially in rural areas.
Be cautious when driving alone and avoid stopping in remote areas.
Be alert when you are in an area where there is a risk of criminal activities, such as hijacking or smash-and-grab theft.
Things to avoid while driving
Never drink and drive. Do not be ignorant, it is against the law.
Avoid distractions while driving. For example, never use your cellphone while driving. This will cause a lapse in your concentration, putting you and others at risk. Rather install a hands-free kit in your car.
Don’t drive when tired. Fatigue affects your concentration and slows down your reactions. Pull over in a safe place and rest every 2 hours or 200 km.
Avoid driving when visibility is poor. It is more difficult to drive safely at night, or when the weather is bad. If you struggle to see clearly at night, rather drive during the day.
Never disobey road signs. Pay attention to flag signals and law enforcement officer signals.
Never leave items such as cellphones and wallets in plain sight in a parked car. Rather carry them with you, or lock them in your boot.
Even if you are driving, it is safer to keep valuable items out of sight to avoid smash-and-grab theft.
Other things to take into account
Road works, wild animals, road conditions and weather
Follow the temporary road signs and slow down when approaching road works.
Be on the lookout for wild and domestic animal at all times.
Do not try to swing your vehicle for an animal on the road, it’s dangerous. Rather decelerate and switch your hazards lights on to allow the animal to cross, remember the other driver behind you might not always know what your intentions are.
Thus give an indication early enough to show your intention and do that without any hindrances to other road users.
Be weather-wise and adjust your speed to fit the conditions, whether in rain, or wind, etc. Stay alive and enjoy your holidays.
Road crashes can be avoided: Obey the rules at all times!
To become a Women in Road Safety champion in your region, and for more tips please call +264 811279321 or write to hileni@aa-namibia.com or signey@mvafund.com.na +264 8 12400268.