Unfortunately for South Africans, the fourth wave arrived in the country during the festive season. This is after last December when the second wave affected travel plans for many. If, however, you are travelling this festive season, remember the importance of following certain tips in order to stay safe and healthy.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, provides the following tips for travelling safely during the fourth wave:
- While the current curfew is not as strict as before, it is still wise to travel as close to daylight hours as possible. Often, those who break the law tend to travel at night time when they expect to encounter law enforcement less.
- Additionally, chances of being involved in a crash increase at night time and every driver should do their part to ensure they reduce their chances of crash not only for their own well-being but to reduce the strain on emergency services.
- While driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and drivers are clearly aware of illegality, do not be tempted to take a chance and drive home after an evening out believing nothing will happen. Besides the risk placed on your own life and those of others, again you will place undue strain on emergency services should things go wrong.
- When travelling to a holiday destination or to family on a long-distance trip, ensure you sanitise regularly, particularly before you get back into the car to continue your journey.
- If you are making use of public transport to travel, ensure you wear your mask at all times and that the windows of the vehicle are kept open for proper ventilation.
- Be respectful to those that you interact with throughout your journey by wearing your mask in public spaces and sanitising often so that no one is exposed to unnecessary risk, particularly those working on the frontline.
- When you need to refuel be sure to sanitise if you touch the card machine or if you happen to touch anything outside of the car that someone else may have touched.
- If you are in the unfortunate circumstance of coming across a crash where your assistance could be required, do not forget your mask and proper social distancing protocols whenever possible. Additionally, do not provide assistance to anyone without seeking their permission first.
- Keep additional masks and sanitiser in your car. Contrary to posts on social media, hand sanitiser cannot spontaneously combust. It needs a source of ignition.
Unfortunately, less than 50% of South Africa’s population is fully vaccinated which makes the country more vulnerable to the negative affects associated with the spread of COVID-19. “While South Africans need to continue their normal activities, this can still be done in a safe and socially-conscious manner. Wherever you go, whether it’s a long trip or a short trip between a party and home, keep these tips in mind and ensure you begin the New Year healthy and safe,” says Herbert.
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