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Past Issues

June 2005

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The onset of winter brings a new set of risks associated with long distance driving. Poor visibility due to it getting darker earlier, and the usual onset of colds and flu makes winter driving a difficult task!

WINTER DRIVING

• Always check the weather report and road conditions applicable to your route before you leave. 

• Visibility is always poor in winter.

• Make sure that you are visible to others by cleaning lights, mirrors, reflectors and chevrons before you leave.
   
  
   

• Ensure that the windscreen is clean both on the INSIDE and OUTSIDE.

• Are the wiper blades, demisters, windscreen motor, arms and washer in good working order?

• For slippery road conditions, traction on tyres is most important. Check the tread depth and replace all smooth tyres.

• Keep a safe following distance. If the vehicle in front of you loses traction, it could slide into you!

• Be prepared this winter - do you have enough warm blankets and clothes in case you do get stuck out in the cold?

• A flask of hot soup as an emergency food supply will come in handy when the winter chill catches you unawares!

• Make sure you carry a list of all required emergency telephone numbers with you at all times.

COMMON COLDS AND FLU:
Common colds and flu occur mainly in winter and affects many people all at once. Flu symptoms are similar to that of a cold, but are usually more severe and come on quite quickly.

COLD SYMPTOMS:

• Runny nose, red eyes, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, headache and

• general body aches. It takes one or two days for all the symptoms to appear.

• A cold usually lasts for about one to two weeks.

COLD PREVENTION:

• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth, and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often, especially if you are around people who have a cold.

• Drink plenty of liquids like herbal tea, hot water, or chicken soup.

• Take aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve aches. 

FLU SYMPTOMS:
Fever between 38.3C to 40C, chills, muscle aches, headache, pain in the muscles around the eyes, fatigue, runny nose and sneezing. 
Symptoms may last 5 - 7 days

FLU PREVENTION:

• Keep up your resistance to infection by following a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise.

• Get a flu vaccination each autumn if you are over 65 years old, or if you suffer from any illness such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS that weakens your immune system.

• Use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief to prevent spreading the virus to others.

LARYNGITIS

• Laryngitis is an infection of the voice box, most commonly caused by colds and flu

• Symptoms include hoarseness or loss of voice, the urge to continually clear your throat, coughing and a sore throat

• Laryngitis will usually heal within 5 to 10 days, and the best remedy is to rest your voice by talking as little as possible.

VERY IMPORTANT:
Drivers are urged not to use gas or paraffin stoves inside their cabs.
Toxic fumes from the stoves in a small cab space could have
very serious consequences!