driver safety Archives Page 10 of 11 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Tips for Driving Safely in Extreme Heat

vuyi on October 19, 2020

It is important to note that the interior of a car can reach temperatures of up to 47°C in an hour, but which time the body could have shut down and begin experiencing serious health complications.

With temperatures reaching highs of 38°in some parts of the country it is important to take extra precautions when driving in such extreme temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you survive driving in extreme heat:

Plan ahead. Use alternate routes to and from home, which may be less congested than main roads. This may cut your travel time shorter thereby ensuring you don’t spend more time than necessary in the heat of your vehicle.

Cover up. Wear sunglasses and use your visors to minimize sun glare in order to increase your ability to see clearly. If you have rear seat passengers, sheild them from the sun’s rays by using window screens on rear windows. Dropping the top of your cabriolet or sliding the sun roof back might make you look ‘cool’ but it will only increase the amount of heat your body has to contend with.

Leave no man behind. Leaving dependents in your car such as pets, children or the elderly in a hot car, even for a few minutes is highly risky. No matter how quick you think you will be and even if you leave the windows open, unattended car occupants are prone to sunstroke and dehydration in hot, parked cars. It is important to note that the interior of a car can reach temperatures of up to 47°C in an hour, by which time the body could have shut down and would have begun to experience serious health complications.

The steering wheel and seats can reach temperatures of more than 40°C

Wear light colour clothing. Long sleeved shirts and tops help avoid sunburn as clothing made from natural fabrics keep you cool for longer.

Keep hydrated. Dehydration can set in quickly, so make sure you have plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water is the best to combat dehydration so keep your intake of alcohol, coffee and tea to a minimum.

Keep your car hydrated. Cars burn up more fuel when the air conditioner is on, so make sure you have enough fuel in your tank to get you safely to your destination. Also check that your engine oil, coolant and water (battery and wiper blades) are topped up.

Park cleverly. When parking, angle the windscreen away from the direction of the sun’s rays which could mean rear parking more often than not. The less heat into the car when you are out of it, the more comfortable it will be when you re-enter it. The steering wheel and seats can reach temperatures of more than 40°C.

Pull over. If you notice the temprerature gauge creeping towards the red or if your engine starts to overheat, pull over as safely as possible and allow it to cool down. Continuing to drive (no matter how short a distance) could lead to irreparable damage to the car and/or exhorbatant costs.

8 Daily Driving Habits to Keep You Safe on the Road

vuyi on October 15, 2020

Weather you are a seasoned driver or are newly licensed, it is imperative to cultivate good driving habits.

As any motorists will tell you developing bad driving habits is all too easy, but by consciously making a daily effort to drive with care and consideration, it is possible to significantly improve your on-road safety. Here are a few basics to keep in mind next time you turn on the ignition:

Maintain a safe constant speed and avoid weaving in and out of lanes.
Use the 2-3 second rule to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Increase this to 4-6 seconds when towing a trailer and or when driving;
- in bad weather conditions,
- at night
- on gravel
Reduce your speed to suit the road, traffic and weather conditions you are driving in.
Always have an escape route – space to manouver your vehicle should your immediate path of travel be unexpectedly blocked.
Be aware of the position and proximity of other vehicles within your surroundings.
Keep to the speed limit at all times, as driving too fast could compromise your ability to stop the car safely.
Always drive defensively.
Obey all the road rules including:
- stopping at red traffic lights,
- slowing down when approaching an amber traffic light,
- giving way to pedestrians, joggers and cyclists
- yielding correctly at all intersections (traffic circles and 4-say stops)
- coming to a complete stop at STOP signs

Remember that driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol could lead to accidents, injury or in extreme instances, fatalities.

10 Tips for driving safely in the rain

vuyi on September 2, 2020

Driving safely in wet weather requires an adjustment in your driving style. Here are our top-ten tips for minimising the risk of having an accident.

Slow down: You are more likely to have better control of your vehicle when you drive at a slower-than-usual pace. Also, reducing your speed gives you time to react in the event of any eventuality such as another car losing control.
Avoid large pools of water: When possible, avoid driving through large bodies of water as they could be covering potholes. Rather, opt to drive slowly at the shallowest part of the water (edge of the puddle) reduce your speed and drive cautiously.
Allow for extra travelling time: Plan ahead, be patient and prepare to arrive at your destination later than usual. Chances are that there will be a lot of slow moving traffic along your route.
Brake sooner and with less pressure: Gently braking reduces the chance of your tyres skidding while braking sooner allows for a longer stopping distance thereby minimising your chances of rear ending the vehicle ahead of yours.
Increase your following distance: The more space you have between your car and the one you are following the safer you are. Keeping a safe following distance is good practice even when driving in good weather.
Demist your windows and windscreen, using your demister function and not a piece of cloth, your sleeve or tissue! Switch on the air con as this will help clear the fog quickly.
Turn on your headlights: This increases your visibility to other motorists but can be dangerous if you use your high beams. Switching your headlights to ‘bright’ could blind other motorists as the extra light is likely to bounce off the water droplets, causing a distraction to on coming traffic.
Give trucks a wide berth: As a general rule, always pass large vehicles as quickly as possible. In wet weather though, the spray from their tyres can make it extremely difficult to see which is why passing them as soon as possible or only when absolutely necessary is imperative.
Don’t cross running water: Not only could the water be deeper than you think but it could be flowing faster than the eye can see. Attempting to drive through flowing water could result in your car being swept away thereby endangering the lives of everyone in it.
Pull over if visibility is low: If the downpour is so heavy that you can’t see ahead of you, pull over in a safe spot and wait it out. Remember to turn on your emergency lights so you are more visible to other motorists.

Drunk driving amendment misses the mark – AA

vuyi on August 27, 2020

The AA is proposing that the 0.05% limit be reduced to 0.02% which is in place in many countries.

Changing traffic laws relating to drink driving is meaningless and will be ineffective if current laws that regulate alcohol and driving are not properly implemented and enforced first. This is the view of the Automobile Association (AA) following the announcement tonight by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on the proposed changes to the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers to be reduced to zero percent.

The Association says drinking and driving can be more effectively combated by reducing the allowable alcohol limits for drivers, and that the courts should impose tougher sentences on offenders. The current enforcement of drunk drivers will not stop those who regularly exceed the limits because there are simply no consequences for their actions. The AA says a zero BAC limit is not going to change this behaviour.

Reducing the blood alcohol limit to zero will not solve the problem of road deaths in South Africa if it is not supported by a thorough, scientific diagnosis of the problem of drink driving…
– Automobile association

Although South Africa’s current Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% is not out of line with world standards, the crisis on South Africa’s roads demands a tougher approach. The AA is proposing that the 0.05% limit be reduced to 0.02% which is in place in many countries.

The AA notes that the proposed move to reduce the legal limit to zero does not take into consideration the fact that some medications such as cough syrups may contain alcohol. In these cases drivers may find themselves with criminal records for taking one dose of this medication when it will have no material effect on their driving ability.

“Reducing the blood alcohol limit to zero will not solve the problem of road deaths in South Africa if it is not supported by a thorough, scientific diagnosis of the problem of drink driving with proper statistics which back such a move. Behavioural change is needed to solve this problem and that requires proper enforcement of existing laws, and more intensive education of the dangers of drunk driving, both of which do not currently occur,” says the AA.

It is our view that people who drink and drive will not alter their behaviour because there are no consequences…
– AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

The AA says current analyses of drunk driving in South Africa are fragmented and disparate, with no conclusive findings besides those which call for greater research on the matter, a move the AA supports.

“But we cannot have a situation where the government is guessing to what extent alcohol is a contributor of road deaths with no actual plan to deal with the road safety crisis in South Africa as a whole other than to amend the law. This approach amounts to dealing with the issue of drunk driving without first addressing the issue of current enforcement and lack of education,” says the Association.

“It is our view that people who drink and drive will not alter their behaviour because there are no consequences so they’re willing to take that gamble of being caught. Ensuring proper law enforcement should be the first step before amending laws. If law enforcement doesn’t change how it operates now, how will changing the law make a difference?” asks the AA.

Pedestrian safety remains a huge concern but little is being to deal with this problem
– AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

The AA says apart from these concerns, the overall safety of roads in South Africa should enjoy priority before amendments such as these are made.

“Pedestrian safety remains a huge concern but little is being to deal with this problem. Road safety requires a total approach which deals with vehicle safety, pedestrian safety, and more education on road safety,” the AA says.

The AA says it stands by its support of the wide-ranging proposals by the Traffic Law Enforcement Review Committee last year to improve traffic law enforcement in the country. It says implementing these recommendations and not focusing on one element of road safety such as drunk driving is needed to deal more effectively with the country’s annual road fatalities which it says amount to a national disaster every year.

“There are practical, workable plans on the table to improve traffic law enforcement which were compiled by experts and traffic officers themselves. Yet there are those who seem intent on focusing on one aspect of road safety – drunk driving – as a panacea for road fatalities. It is, in effect, putting a band aid on a gaping wound with the hope that it will stop the flow of blood. It won’t,” concludes the AA.

COVID-19 and insurance claims

vuyi on August 21, 2020

Every driver should know what the stance of their insurer is with regard to post-curfew driving

– eugene herbert, managing director of MasterDrive

South Africans are rejoicing at the news that lockdown restrictions have been lowered to level two. This will allow drivers to move more freely between provinces but the curfew remains in place. Some drivers are questioning what are the insurance consequences of driving after curfew and being involved in a crash.

The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the company consulted their insurers to provide some context. “Our insurers say that a claim for a crash after curfew would not be rejected on those grounds alone. They, however, encourage drivers to avoid being on the road after 10pm unless it is an emergency.

“Additionally, while they can speak to their own policies about the validity of claims that occur after 10pm, this may vary between insurers. Every driver should know what the stance of their insurer is with regard to post-curfew driving.

This is especially so for those driving home from a late shift and drivers who are legitimately allowed on the road at that time. Speak to your insurer now about what they expect and your unique circumstances rather than argue it after the fact,” says Herbert.

It is a folly to think that you have no chance of crashing on your quick trip to the shop down the road

– EUGENE HERBERT, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASTERDRIVE

Cancelling insurance

Drivers trying to reduce their monthly expenses are also advised against cancelling their insurance premiums. “Even if you will still be working from home for the foreseeable future, cancelling your insurance can have numerous negative results. Primarily, insurance is there to protect you when the unexpected happens, whether this is vehicle theft or a crash. As crime is expected to rise in the coming months cancelling insurance is a risky decision.

“Additionally, it is a folly to think that you have no chance of crashing on your quick trip to the shop down the road. Research says that at least half of all crashes happen five minutes away from home because people drive with an ‘auto’ mindset, face an increased chance of being involved in a parking lot collision and have a greater tendency to drive distracted. Ultimately, it could cost you thousands more,” says Herbert.

Find out what your coverage will be if you are caught out after curfew

– EUGENE HERBERT, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MASTERDRIVE

Other disadvantages of cancelling your insurance for a brief period include

Higher premiums once you resume insurance coverage as your risk profile will be higher.
Breach of contract if your vehicle is still under finance, which can put you at risk of losing the vehicle.

In both of these scenarios it pays to know where you stand. “Find out what your coverage will be if you are caught out after curfew, for whatever reason, or if you qualify for a reduction while working from home. Either way, knowledge is power when you make a decision related to your insurance coverage,” says Herbert.

Learning To Read The Stars: How car safety ratings work

vuyi on July 14, 2020

One-star or five-star? What determines car safety ratings

Everyone knows that vehicle safety is a vital component of the vehicle manufacturing process and many people have heard of the Euro NCAP five-star safety rating system. However, not many consumers understand what safety ratings are, how they are determined nor how to make use of them when identifying a suitable vehicle to purchase.

Here’s what you need to know…

The frontal tests are performed at 64 km/h into a deformable barrier.

The Euro NCAP five-star safety rating system is designed to help consumers, their families and businesses compare vehicles more easily and to help them identify the safest choice for their needs. It is a voluntary vehicle safety rating system created by the Swedish Road Administration, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and International Consumer Research & Testing, and backed by the European Commission, seven European governments, and motoring and consumer organisations in every EU country. Other areas with similar (but not identical) programmes include Australia and New Zealand with ANCAP, Latin America with Latin NCAP and China with C-NCAP.

The side impact tests are performed at 50 km/h.

They publish safety reports on new cars, and awards ‘star ratings’ based on the performance of the vehicles in a variety of crash tests, including front, side and pole impacts, and impacts with pedestrians. The top overall rating is five stars.

The safety rating is determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real-life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users. While a safety rating can never fully capture the complexity of the real world, vehicle improvements (including technology developed over the past years), bring about high safety standards to the benefit to motorists all over the world.

The side impact pole test is performed at 32 km/h.

The frontal tests are performed at 64 km/h into a deformable barrier and is designed to represent an impact with a vehicle of similar mass and structure as the car itself. The side impact tests are performed at 50 km/h, and the side impact pole test is performed at 32 km/h. The pedestrian safety tests are performed at 40 km/h.

From 1 January 2009, the system adopted the rear-impact (whiplash) test as part of the new crash-test regimen. This new rating system focused on the overall score on pedestrian protection as Euro NCAP were concerned that car manufacturers were too fixed on occupant safety rather than the safety of those outside the vehicle.

The five-star safety rating system continuously evolves as older technology matures…

THE MORE STARS THE BETTER: The number of stars reflects how well the car performs in Euro NCAP tests, but it is also influenced by what safety equipment the vehicle manufacturer is offering in each market. So a high number of stars shows not only that the test result was good, but also that safety equipment on the tested model is readily available to all consumers in Europe.

The star rating goes beyond the legal requirements and not all new vehicles need to undergo Euro NCAP tests. A car that just meets the minimum legal demands would not be eligible for any stars. This also means that a car which is rated poorly is not necessarily unsafe, but it is not as safe as its competitors that were rated better.

The pedestrian safety tests are performed at 40 km/h.

LOOK OUT FOR THE LATEST RESULTS : The five-star safety rating system continuously evolves as older technology matures and new innovations become available. This means that tests are updated regularly, new tests are added to the system and star levels adjusted. For this reason the year of test is vital for a correct interpretation of the car result.

THE LATEST STAR RATING IS ALWAYS THE MOST RELEVANT: The latest star rating is always the most relevant and comparing results over different years is only valid if the updates to the rating scheme were small. Recently, the inclusion of emerging crash avoidance technology has significantly altered the meaning of the stars.

The following provides some general guidance as to what safety performance the stars refer to in today’s system:

5 STARS: Overall good performance in crash protection. Well equipped with robust crash avoidance technology.

4 STARS: Overall good performance in crash protection; additional crash avoidance technology may be present.

3 STARS: Average to good occupant protection but lacking crash avoidance technology.

2 STARS: Nominal crash protection but lacking crash avoidance technology.

1 STAR: Marginal crash protection.

It is important to note that testing is not mandatory, with vehicle models either being independently chosen by Euro NCAP or sponsored by the manufacturers. That said, it is in the best interest of car manufacturers to have their vehicles tested as car buyers are just as interested in safety as they are about performance.

The Golden Decree For Navigating A Traffic Circle

vuyi on July 14, 2020

There are 2 types of circular intersections in South Africa: traffic circles and mini-circles. This article only refers to traffic circles.

Traffic circles are sometimes referred to as roundabouts and are designed to allow traffic to flow easily and quickly. That being said there is a lot of confusion about how to navigate safely around them, but once you know and understand the rules that govern traffic circles, you’ll breeze happily through them.

To turn left (taking the first exit / 9 o’clock):
1. Use the extreme left-hand lane when approaching the circle.
2. Signal to the left and turn left when safe to do so.

To continue straight (taking the second exit / 12 o’clock)
- Select the left hand lane (unless road signs indicate otherwise) as you approach the circle.
- Enter the circle when it is safe to do so.
- Pass the first exit and immediately signal left to indicate that you will be leaving the circle at the next exit.

To turn right (take the third exit / 3 o’clock):
- Select the right hand lane (unless otherwise instructed by a road sign) as you approach the circle.
- Enter the circle when safe to do so and travel around it.
- Signal to the left only after you have passed the second exit.
- Make sure there isn’t another vehicle entering the circle to your left (usually at the second exit) as you point your car towards your desired exit.

The Modern Woman’s Guide to Replacing Worn Wiper Blades

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Wiper blades provide the driver with a clear view out of the windscreen and quickly and easily wipe away water, leaves, dust and even bird poo!

Because wiper blades are made of rubber, they naturally deteriorate over time, and have a rather short life span. They need to be replaced when you notice the following defects:

Streaking when they wipe away water
Unusual noises
Irregular movements
Ragged or cracked blades

Some modern cars have extremely technical wiper blade mechanisms and require the attention of a technician. For other cars though wiper blades are still quite basic and can be changed quickly and without much fuss. But before going into the step-by-step tutorial on how to do so, we first need to understand that wiper blades are generally made of three basic parts: the lower wiper arm that extends from the base of the windscreen, the metal or plastic blade attached to the lower arm, and the actual rubber blade which is the portion which is in contact with the windscreen.

Here are the basic steps to follow when changing a wiper blade.

Step 1: Raise the metal or plastic arm from the windscreen and allow it to stand unaided in its natural position which is at a slight angle to the windscreen. Make sure it soft-locks in that position as the wiper blade is spring-loaded and could easily snap back against the windscreen, pinching your fingers or damaging the screen.

Step 2: Unlock the old, damaged wiper blade: Look at the joining where the rubber portion of the blade meets the metal arm and identify the small plastic stopper holding the blade in place. Press the stopper and unhook the old rubber blade to separate it from the metal arm.

Note:

Use one hand to hold the wiper blade at all times to prevent it from snapping back against the windscreen
Protect your windshield with a folded towel just in case the arm accidentally snaps back while you attempt to change the wiper blade.
Some wiper blades may have pins rather than hooks

Step 3:Slide the new rubber wiper into the same end of the arm where you pulled the worn blade from and gently pivot the new wiper until the hook snaps into place to secure it. Slowly release the wiper blade back against the windscreen

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 to replace the other wiper blade.

Step 5:Test that you have replaced the blades properly and that they work, by allowing the reservoir water to run down the windscreen and turning on the wiper blades. They should wipe the water away noiselessly, and without streaking.

Why You Need UV Protection On Your Sunglasses

vuyi on July 8, 2020

Your eyes are constantly in motion, focusing and refocusing as objects approach
– thembela moyo, founder and owner – fresh vision optometrists

As a driver, you must fulfil many requirements, often simultaneously: you must react quickly, follow the speed limits, and correctly assess the driven distances and distances to hindrances. You rely on your eyes more so than any other sense. Your eyes are constantly in motion, focusing and refocusing as objects approach, and contending with distractions, such as oncoming headlights or the glare of the setting sun.

One of the biggest threats to your eyesight is the harmful effects of Ultraviolet* (UV) rays and nothing causes discomfort when driving quite like bright sunlight reflecting off the tarmac or car windows, sending searing pain directly into your eyes. Not only do UV rays cause sunburn and wrinkles around your eyes they also damage your retina which is why you should only wear sunnies with UV protection.

There are 4 areas that can help you make an excellent sunglass choice.

The Material Of The Lens: Take a look at what the tag says about the composition of the lens, which is the most important aspect of sun protection. Make sure the material blocks the harmful UV rays. This will usually be indicated by a percentage which ideally should be 100 %.

Lens Colour: This is an area where you can surrender yourself to your fashion whims as the colour of the sunglass lens does not affect UV protection. People would tend to think that the darker the colour of the sunglasses the more protection from UV rays they are but this is a myth.
Polarization: Simply put, polarization functions like miniature blinds on your sunnies. The coating blocks out horizontal rays whilst letting in vertical light but these ‘blinds’ do not protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. Hence, even if you have polarized sunglasses you still need a UV-blocking material or coating for protection.
The Right Frame. When choosing the right frame, look for comfort and as much coverage your face size can support to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Wrap-around styles are especially helpful because they block light from the sides as well as the front.

It is important to point out that certified UV protective sunglasses do not necessarily equate to a pricier tag either and there are several brands on the market that offer stylish sunglasses with the required UV protection at affordable prices. Cheap imitations can be temptingly priced but remember that they often do not have any UV protection at all, therefore you must think twice about prioritizing stylish looks above protective functionality.

The importance of eye health in relation to driving, cannot be emphasized enough and as important as it is to purchase the right type of car for your needs, it is similarly important to purchase the correct type of eyewear for your eyesight and ever changing requirements of our daily driving conditions.

Be kind to your eyes and look after them by choosing wisely because without healthy eyes you compromise your driving safety. Remember, protection is key.

Ultraviolet radiation, a type of energy produced by the sunand some artificial sources*

3 Ways Parents subconsciously put their toddlers in danger: Part 1

vuyi on June 30, 2020

As parents, keeping our kids safe from external factors is the norm, but what if we the parents, are the ones our kids need to be kept safe from!

As parents, we know the importance of driving safely but not many of us consider that our own habits and practises could be more detrimental to our little occupants than the actions of other drivers around us. Here are a few behavioural traits that are harmful to the psyche of our loved ones which many of us are guilty of but can modify.

ACTION

Arguing while driving

DANGEROUS SITUATION

It doesn’t happen very often but parents have been witnessed fighting, yelling and even getting physical in the car. Not only does this type of irrational behaviour distract (and amuse) other motorists, it also puts everyone in the car in grave danger and has long term negative effects on the minor passengers.

SOLUTION

Keep the heated discussions for the privacy of your bedroom. Not only is it emotionally unhealthy for the little ones to be exposed to the effects of the family’s dwindling finances or suspected extra marital affair, but verbal altercations can lead to reduced concentration resulting in near misses, fender bumpers or full on crashes.

ACTION

2. Speeding

DANGEROUS SITUATION

Being a working wife and mother, who also triples as a gym bunny, Michelin-star chef and support to her husband is a lot for any human being to manage on a daily basis. Hence it is understandable that a woman may find herself running late from time to time. As logical as speeding may seem it is highly imprudent and could result in death or serious injury to other motorists, yourself or your toddlers.

SOLUTION

Time management is one of the arduous aspects of adulating, but one which could save your life and the lives of those in and around your vehicle. Applying your make-up can wait until you get to the office parking lot or restrooms even if it does mean you may have to hold your ID picture up to your face and sign in at the main gate.

ACTION

3. Not having car insurance

DANGEROUS SITUATION

More than 80% of the cars on our roads are uninsured which means at any given time you could be driving within the proximity of 2 – 3 uninsured vehicles; which sounds scary unless yours is also uninsured in which case you would be in the company of a minimum of 4 uninsured cars. The thing about being uninsured, even at a basic level is that you run the risk of being liable for the costs of repairs of your car and that of the other vehicle(s) you may have run into.

SOLUTION

Most would agree that the responsible thing to do would be to investigate the various types of insurance policies you can sign up for which cover you for taking care of the other parties vehicle. We, however would advise that you get cover for your vehicle and occupants too so that you and your kids can receive the necessary medical attention in the event of an accident.

ACTION

DANGEROUS SITUATION

In some countries, driving distracted is ranked more dangerous than driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In our view however, regardless of the kids being in the car or not, driving without having your hands at the wheel or with your eyes fixed on the road ahead and around you is a recipe for a life threatening disaster.

SOLUTION

For the record, distracted driving includes fiddling with the radio controls, eating and drinking, applying make-up, grooming and trying to appease the little ones among other things.

Driving In High Accident Zones

vuyi on June 30, 2020

Every driver has seen a roadside sign warning them that the section of the road that they are driving on is a high-risk accident zone. When a driver sees one of these signs, they should change their driving style and increase their awareness levels to be ready to respond to unexpected challenges.

Assess the situation to determine what makes that stretch of road dangerous and adapt your driving to account for this.
– eugene herbert, managing director – masterdrive

The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, explains areas that have high accident rates with warning signs of this, require changes to your driving to meet the situation. “It is up to you to assess the area and identify what makes that particular area high risk. Van Reenen’s Pass is one of South Africa’s more notorious high-risk areas because it is vulnerable to bad weather and a dangerous area for trucks to travel.

“In this instance drivers need to drive with more caution especially when weather conditions are bad and ensure they follow the instructions along the route that separate cars and trucks. Additionally, keep an eye out for vehicles that may swerve into oncoming traffic.”

There are a number of other conditions that can make a road into a high-risk area. “Concealed accesses, high traffic volumes, a blind rise, animals that may wander into the road, high incidents of negligent driving, low visibility, roads prone to potholes and weather conditions are just a few challenges that can make an area high risk.

“Assess the situation to determine what makes that stretch of road dangerous and adapt your driving to account for this. Even if you cannot immediately identify the risk, be just as cautious as what you would if you did know,” says Herbert.

Examples of driving styles that you can ensure you are following include:

Slow down so that you have extra time to react should a car suddenly enter the road from a side road unexpectedly or to react to many other hazards
Increase your following distances to give yourself additional time and space to react to the actions of cars ahead of you or to concealed obstacles
Look 12 seconds ahead as you drive so that any potentially dangerous situations do not catch you unaware
Watch the reactions of drivers in front of you. Additional time and space gives you the opportunity to notice if all the cars ahead are veering to one side of the road to avoid something like a pothole and allows you to react to the hazard timeously and carefully
Always drive with your headlights on to increase your visibility to other vehicles or pedestrians
Be prepared for slippery roads by paying attention to your surroundings and learning what to do should you lose control of your vehicle
Do not drive fatigued as it can make something as simple as a straight road extremely dangerous because your ability to pay attention and react quickly, among other issues, is affected
Be patient and courteous in heavy traffic. Losing your cool or preventing others from entering a lane creates dangerous as well as volatile situations

Roads where you are at a higher risk of crashing are not unusual, making preparation for it essential. “Follow the principles of defensive driving on these roads and be ready for any challenge you may encounter to ensure you emerge from these areas as safely as possible,” advises Herbert.

FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS

vuyi on June 10, 2020

ABOUT

The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS aim to educate, inform and empower male drivers and motorcyclists on the nuances of motoring/biking and vehicle ownership. The Forums focus on similar topics as in the Gals Garage Workshops – finance, safety, vehicle maintenance and driver/rider training.

A key topic within the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS is the safe travel of expectant women, babies and toddlers.

Using various manufacturers’ vehicles, the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS showcase different vehicular features, technologies and services and how those fit the everyday lifestyle of the guests at the Forums.

The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are extremely popular as they provide a bonding platform for groups of men who attend either as family members or friends.

PAST EVENTS

The first ever FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUM was held in association with Subaru South Africa at Bass Lake Adventures. 20 men attended the forum and spent the day experiencing various Subaru vehicles on the challenging courses within the facility. Thereafter the Forums continued with Isuzu South Africa in association with celebrity Chef Benny Masekwameng and with Bona Magazine as our media partner.

Due to COVID-19 regulations the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are currently on hold until further notice but will resume as soon as government regulations permit.