The Christmas season is supposed to be a happy one, filled with laughter, love, and time spent with family and friends. We don’t associate Christmas with death and sadness- no, it’s all about celebrating. Unfortunately, Christmas time tends to see some of the highest numbers in terms of road accidents. With Christmas Day and Boxing Day having some of the highest numbers of road accidents and fatalities when compared to other holidays.
As of November 24, 2018, there has been 288 fatal crashes with 326 lives lost. That is a lot of lives and a lot of fatal crashes. So this Christmas, let’s not add to the statistics, let’s put road safety first and try our best as a country to drive safely and defensively on the roads.
Here are some tips for this Christmas!
Have a plan when you go on the road.
Map out what you need to do, where you need to go and the routes to take so you minimise the time spent on the roads. You can use Google Maps to help you, as it will even give you traffic conditions for any time of the day. When you have a plan you are less likely to waste time and have a little extra to spend with family and friends.
Don’t drive when you’re tired.
When you’re tired you’re less alert and less able to make quick decisions that can be the difference between you having an accident or not. To do this, maximise on sleep if you need help with that read this and this. Plan your days properly and if you’re out late ensure you have somewhere to stay just in case you can’t make it home because of fatigue.
Don’t drink and drive, don’t text and drive, don’t do anything and drive!
Some of us feel like we are the top man at driving. That we can still be good drivers when drunk or high. That we can multitask and drive. Driving needs all of your attention, dividing up this attention can cause the quality of your driving to be subpar.
Follow the rules of the road.
Leave out early so that you’re not rushing on the road, there’s no need to be speeding and weaving in and out of traffic. Take your time to reach your destination, even if you reach late. Don’t create another lane of traffic, break red lights or don’t stop at stop signs. Heed the rules of the road now more than ever.
Drive defensively.
Assume everyone is a bad driver, with faulty breaks. That way you’re kept on your toes and don’t make stupid mistakes that can cause you your life. This also helps you be ready to act quickly if someone does something foolish. Drive defensively and be aware of what is happening around you.
And finally,
Always wear your seatbelt.
Christmas is a happy time! Stay safe on the roads and have a Merry Christmas! How do you stay safe on the roads? Let me know.
Samantha C. Johnson
Featured image taken from panmedia.
