12 ways to stay safe on the road this Easter

Every year, hundreds of lives are lost on the road due to accidents that happen during the Easter period. In 2018, 510 people lost their lives during Easter due to accidents.

Last week, Transport Minister Blade Nzimande launched the 2019 Easter Road Safety Campaign with the unveiling of the Evidential Breathalyser machine. The device is able to give a driver instant results of their alcohol levels. This means motorists who are found guilty can be arrested and charged on the spot.

Transport Department spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi told EWN: “We are going to expedite the prosecutions and make sure that motorists who are found drinking and driving are immediately removed from our roads.”

Apart from alcohol abuse, there are many other factors that can cause accidents.

Here is how you can ensure that you are safe on the roads this Easter.

1. Speed kills – ensure that you adhere to the speed limit on the road. Driving at a high speed not only puts your life in danger but other road users, too. It can also land you in jail.

2. Don’t drink and drive – driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the leading causes of accidents on the road.

3. Check that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure - this means all lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system, and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.

4. Don’t text and drive - using your mobile phone while driving can cause you to take your eyes off the road. Distracted driving is a major cause of road accidents.

5. Don’t overload your car – this is not only illegal but causes the tyres to overheat and makes the vehicle less stable, tougher to steer, and more difficult to stop.

6. Stop when feeling tired - driving when feeling fatigued can put your life in danger. Take safety breaks or rest stops whenever you feel tired. It is better to arrive late and safe, than not to arrive at all.

7. Wear your seat belt and ensure all passengers wear theirs - wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death in an accident and prevent occupants from being flung out.

8. Be vigilant and be aware of potentially dangerous drivers.

9. Don’t overtake unless it is safe to do so.

10. Maintain at least a two-second following distance or enough space between your car and the car in front of you to pull out and drive away in an emergency situation.

11. Don’t ignore warning signs or lights that appear on your vehicle.

12. Regularly check the condition and pressure of your tyres.

Please stay safe this Easter!