As the Easter weekend approaches, those who will be on the road need to be prepared for the increased traffic over the next few days. Each year, the causes of crashes remain similar, even as the numbers change, and drivers can learn from this.
As we enter the Easter period drivers should raise their awareness of these common causes of crashes from previous years and be prepared to handle it should they encounter a similar scenario. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says, “The Easter period is the second busiest time on our roads. It is for this reason that we are joining the AA in a road safety campaign along the N1 Kroonstad Corridor.
Watch the following video on some of the basic and practical advice MasterDrive and the AA provide ahead of the Easter weekend to be mindful of some of the most common causes of crashes:
Additionally, MasterDrive encourages drivers to use the power of hindsight and learn from previous busy periods. “Every driver has the power to be prepared for risky scenarios ahead of this period. Use this knowledge to avoid having a car crash during what should be important family time,” says Herbert.
- Pedestrians: every year pedestrians are one of the largest groups affected by crashes. Watch the sides of roads for people and react as soon as you see a pedestrian and before something even goes wrong. Be aware of road signs indicating areas with high risk of pedestrians crossing the road. Avoid driving at night or dusk and dawn when it is more difficult to spot pedestrians. Additionally, pedestrians under the influence will not make safe road decisions thus slow down and give every pedestrian an adequate berth, irrespective of whether they are intoxicated or not.
- Drink driving: it goes without saying you should not drink and drive but you can still encounter others who do. Be aware of the signs that indicate a driver has consumed alcohol, such as weaving between lanes, driving too fast or too slowly or delayed responses. If you suspect a driver is intoxicated, increase the distance between yourselves and quickly and safely move away from them. Contact authorities as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Reckless driving: speeding, overtaking on blind rises, disobeying road rules, fatigued driving and drivers who pressurise others often cause crashes. Follow the same strategy that you would with a drunk driver to place space between yourselves. If a driver speeds up behind you, safely move out of the way than refuse to let them pass. Look out for drivers passing on blind rises or taking other risks in oncoming traffic. Do your best to catch their attention, failing which, move off the road rather than remain where you are or moving into the lanes of oncoming traffic. Again, safely alert authorities.
Awareness of potentially risky situations and knowing how to react, empowers you as a road user. “Ensure you are a defensive driver who is prepared for whatever the road, or other drivers, throw at you,” says Herbert.
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