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Road safety is all
about ATTITUDE, a sense of social responsibility, not only in
drivers, but also in operators who continue to run old, unroadworthy
vehicles. Motorists also need to adopt a better ‘road sharing’
demeanor.
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Traffic congestion is
getting worse and all drivers will need to sharpen their defensive
driving skills. It’s time the K53 driver’s licence test included
a few of these techniques. |
Every truck driver, motorist, pedestrian, taxi driver and traffic officer should have the safety of all users as 'top of mind'. If everyone picks up just a little more responsibility, focus and awareness, the overall improvement could be very satisfying - and greatly life-saving," he says.
The Bridgestone/CARS initiative is made up of journalists from the print and electronic media and representatives from key organisations involved in road safety. These include the RTMC, the Department of Transport, the Automobile Association, the SA Police Services, The Road Freight Association, NAAMSA and the RMI.
Apart from recognising worthy contributions by individuals and organisations on an annual basis, the Committee focuses on positively changing the attitude of road users towards safer motoring practices.
Although FleetWatch's messages are normally directed at truck drivers when we talk about on-the-road safety issues, many other staff members from trucking companies will be out there with their families over the holiday Easter period so we urge all our readers to take note of Auret's urgings that a greater commitment from everyone to behave more safely could make a dramatic difference.
He says there are many ways all the different road users can make contributions, before during and after the Easter season. Some of these:
Before
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Car owners should check their vehicle's road-worthiness before the holiday trip through the many workshops and service stations which offer free Safety Checks at this time. "Let the experts take a look and give you advice on what needs attention."
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Truck and fleet operators can gear-up their freighting plans to avoid peak periods on holiday routes as much as possible.
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Check your vehicle's wheel balance before the journey and check tyre pressures every day. Monitor tyre tread wear continually. Tyres are vital safety items on every vehicle.
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Plan your route before your trip - know where you are going and how to get there. "Indecisive driving while you are trying to find your way leads to inattention which could lead to your death."
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Other road users - pedestrians, cyclists - can also benefit from route planning. Know which route you are going to be on, cross traffic only at controlled intersections. Wear bright clothing - especially at night.
DURING -
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Never drink and drive. Be careful about medication which can make you drowsy or inattentive. Don't knowingly allow others to drive when drunk. Appoint "Designated Drivers".
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Buckle up before you drive off. Make sure everyone in the car is using the seatbelts too. Don't ever allow toddlers to move around inside the vehicle unrestrained while the car is moving.
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Take regular rest breaks on any long journey - at least each 200 kilometres.
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Drive defensively not offensively. Give way when it promotes easy traffic flow. Don't be aggressive. Don't look for road rage to manifest itself.
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Don't race the lights; don't run red or yellow lights; stay alert for other transgressors.
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Always drive at an appropriate speed for the surroundings.
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Keep your mindset positive; show active respect for other road users; and obey all the laws of the road all the time.
AFTER
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