By Simba-Safe Kenya
Published December 18, 2016
It is that time of year again; to rev up the family car and head out on the roads. Whether you are heading to Grandma’s in the country or to a favourite vacation spot to celebrate Christmas and New Year with family or friends, take a moment to read over the six holiday driving safety tips listed in this article to help you safely reach wherever you are headed:
Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance
Making sure that your car is up-to-date with any vehicle maintenance services and auto repair is a must before you tackle the holiday traffic. Driving with unreliable brakes, tyres or more is dangerous for you, your passengers and others on the road.
Watch Changing Weather
Keep an eye out for changes in weather. When travelling to different climates you can sometimes find yourself in areas where you’re not familiar with how the weather affects the road. When it gets colder, there is an increased chance of encountering slippery conditions.
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Stay Alert While Driving
Driving while overly tired is a version of driving impaired! If you find yourself getting too tired, take a break and stretch or switch drivers every few hours. Always stay hydrated and aware of your surroundings, and try to limit distractions such as loud music.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Along with the Holidays comes an increase in drunk driving incidents. Make sure to always have a designated driver, or the number for a reliable taxi service on hand! It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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Use Seat Belt
Belt up for your safety; remember to protect the children, too. If you have children in the car, ensure they are in the appropriate child restraint (car seats/boosters included). It is unsettling to see people in traffic wearing a belt but the children in the back of the car not wearing a seat belt.
Don’t Pack Too Much
Packing your car so full that you can’t see out the back window is dangerous, especially when you encounter lots of stop-and-go traffic and varying driving speeds. Think about how much you actually need for you trip; don’t just stuff everything into your car.
Adapted from Simba-Safe Kenya’s weekly newsletter on child safety.
