09 May 2011
We know it’s been a while since you got your license so we thought we’d remind you of a few safety basics we all tend to forget as time goes by…
- Drive with both hands on the wheel. Men are especially guilty of not doing this! Both hands must be on the wheel at all times at 9 and 3 o'clock (we're talking military-style positioning) – not at 10 and 2 o'clock. Still need help? Cars sold after 1985 clearly show grooves where you hands should be.
- Make sure your tyres are pumped up within the manufacturer’s specifications before you leave (check the recommended tyre pressure number in your car's owner's manual or on the placard – the silver plate with your car's vital details engraved on it usually stuck in the glove box, on the driver's door, in the boot or on the inside of the fuel filter flap). Don't go over this number! Having just one under-inflated tyre leads to unsafe levels of instability in corners (skids and slides) and during braking (as well as increasing stopping distance in an emergency). Under-inflation is also the number-one cause of tyre blow-out ('explosion') on the highway. You should check each tyre every 2-4 weeks as a general rule.
- Look as far down the road as you can. Always keep your eyes on the road ahead and ensure that you can see in front of you for as far as possible – 300 metres of foresight can provide 20 seconds' reaction time to prevent a fatal accident. Take note tailgaters!
- Be aware of things in the middle of the road (poles, trees, rails, etc.). Did you know that 30 per cent of all road death occurs as a result of striking a roadside object, yet there appears to be no profound hurry to remove roadside objects, even from busy roads?
- Be extra careful at intersections and roundabouts! Half of all road trauma occurs here. Don't assume that everyone will stop and give way.
When driving long distances…
- Start your trip after a good night's sleep, not at the end of a busy day.
- Avoid driving too early in the morning or too late at night. Your body naturally wants to sleep between about 1am and 6am – which greatly increases your risk of crashing during those times.
- Make sure your tyres are in good condition (no bald spots!).
- Check the road map before you travel for nearby national, state or local parks where you can go for a hike, or spend some time exploring a new town or city by foot to refresh and revive.
- Keep yourself alert by taking a break every few hours. Plan your rest stops before you go.
- If you feel tired, stop (not in a dangerous spot such as the side of the highway) and take a 15-30 minute sleep or powernap. Include extra time in your trip itinerary to allow for breaks and powernaps.