Issued by: OUTsurance


Pre-Travel Check list
It is important to consider the maintenance of your vehicle and any equipment you may be carrying. Prior to each trip, check the following:

• Tyre pressure
  Check the pressure of all tyres and set to manufacturer's recommended pressure.
  
• Tyre condition
  Check that all tyres have at least the minimum legal tread depth and that there are no cuts or bulges on tyre treads or sidewalls.
  
• Brake pedal
  Check that there is no excessive brake pedal travel or softness.
  
• Parking brake
  Check the parking (hand) brake for excessive travel. Check that it will stop the vehicle against a slope or in an emergency situation.
  
• Lighting system
  Check that all lights function correctly and that there are no broken lamp lenses. Check headlights aim if the vehicle is to be driven at night.
  
• Seat belt condition
  Check for each seat belt fitted that the buckle fastens correctly, the webbing is not frayed and the anchorage bolts are secure.
  
• Windscreen and windscreen wipers
  Check that the windscreen is not cracked in the vision area. Check that the windscreen washers and wipers are working and that the wiper blades are in good condition.
  
• Overall condition
  Check the general condition of the vehicle visually. Check that there are no obvious signs that may indicate that the vehicle is unsafe.
  
• Exhaust system
  Check that there is no abnormal noise from the exhaust system that would suggest there is a leak or that it is not properly mounted.

Additional Road Safety Tips

Be you a driver or passenger in a vehicle, the following tips can save your life:

• Always wear your seat belt no matter how short or how slow your journey.
  
• Store any loose items in the car boot for safety reasons.
  
• Children should always be seated at the back, properly secured with seat belts and younger children should be secured in child restraint seats. Children can start using a seat belt alone without a child seat when they are 8 years or weigh 36kg. Infants less than 9kg must be secured in a rear-facing infant car seat. Children should never be allowed to stand at the back or front seats because they will collide with the interior of the vehicle or be flung out if an accident were to happen.
  
• Wear a seatbelt in the front and back of the car, at all times. It has been illegal since 2003 to not be buckled up in the back of a car if it is equipped with seat belts!

Fatigue

Fatigue or tiredness can be caused by a number of factors: an outing at the beach, emotional stress, illness or boredom. In order to prevent fatigue when taking a long trip it is important to do the following:

• Get enough sleep the night before, at least 6 hours.
  
• Wear good quality sunglasses because sun glare can cause eyestrain.
  
• Avoid heavy foods.
  
• Do not consume any alcohol during your trip.
  
• Have somebody to accompany you on your trip to share the driving.
  
• For long trips plan in advance so you know where you are going to take a break.
  
• Take a break at least every 2 hours or 200 kilometers.

Motorists must understand that sleep is a basic need like food and water. It does not matter how long you stay awake, the fact is eventually you are going to sleep. The danger of driver fatigue is that the driver does not fall asleep immediately, but the body will take micro sleeps that last from a few seconds to 30 seconds. Micro sleeps or nodding off is very dangerous when driving because the vehicle can veer off the road, capsize, or it can collide with other vehicles.

There is no quick fix for fatigue. No amounts of coffee, fresh air or brisk walks can rid the body of it. The best way to combat fatigue is to park the vehicle in a safe place and sleep. It is advisable to rest in designated areas on the route you are travelling.

Drinking and Driving

Remember your driving skills are impaired after even 1 Unit of alcohol, so it is safer not to drink any at all if you drive.

Women are affected more, quicker, and on smaller amounts of alcohol than men, so women need to drink less, and slower than men.

N.B. Nothing gets alcohol out of the body except TIME. No coffee. No cold showers. No energy boosters, No water. No running around the block. ONLY TIME.

• Drink slowly and 1 Unit per hour maximum.
  
• Eat before you drink.
  
• COUNT YOUR DRINKS!!
  
• Work out how much you drink, and when it is safe for you to drive again.

Your driving is affected in this way:

• Impairment of peripheral vision.
  
• Blurred Vision.
  
• Serious loss of judgment.

Seatbelt Safety

Wear a seatbelt in the front and back of the car at all times. It has been illegal since 2003 to not be buckled up in the back of a car if it is equipped with seat belts! The seatbelt wearing rate in South Africa is estimated at 65% with nearly half of all adult passengers failing to wear rear seat belts. It only takes about 10 seconds to buckle up and that 10 seconds can save your life!

Visit our PRESS OFFICE: OUTsurance is a direct short-term insurance operation within the RMBH FirstRand stable. We offer car, household and business insurance at affordable premiums and awesome service you deserve.- more....

[18 Dec 2007 16:53]

SEND TO A FRIEND  |   PRINT