‘Tis the season to be merry! ‘Tis also the time of year when we jump in our cars to go celebrate with dear family and friends, attend parties or hit the coast.
Driving in the holidays can be particularly risky because of the volume of cars on the road, drivers navigating unfamiliar territory and issues such as fatigue or alcohol.
However, there are precautions you can take to minimise the risks. Herewith our tips for safer driving:
#1 Pay Attention to the Basics
Seat belts save lives. Full stop. Make sure everyone is buckled up and don’t drive tired. There are rest stops placed strategically along most major highways to avoid fatigue-induced accidents.
Be careful of how much you drink around the silly season. The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for fully licensed drivers in NSW is 0.05. It can be difficult to calculate your BAC, as people metabolise alcohol differently. Don’t take unnecessary risks, and be extremely careful when mixing medications with even the smallest amount of alcohol.
#2 Plan Your Route Carefully
Some routes are more hazardous than others. Pay attention to safety, rather than speed. Think about what risks you might face on the road ahead - whether that be narrow roads or densely wooded areas. Stay away from high risk rural roads if possible.
#3 Get a Check Up Before You Travel
One of the most important things you can do to ensure your family’s safety is to get a car health check before you leave. Pay particular attention to your vehicle’s tyre pressure & tread depth. The minimum legal requirement for the latter is 1.5mm. Otherwise your tyres may not grip the road properly, particularly in wet weather.
Book in for a free safety examination today before you leave for the holidays. Find your nearest Tyres and More store now!
Resources:
https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/road-safety-holidays/
http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/alcoholdrugs/drinkdriving/bac/index.html