[b]Safe Holiday Travel[/b]
[u]Before you start your trip[/u]
Holidays are meant to be fun. But it’s no fun if you’re involved in a crash along the way. It may seem obvious but some planning and preparation before you set off gives you a better chance of enjoying a safe drive.
Plan ahead
[ul]Plan to have rest stops every two hours if you’re driving a long distance — make them part of the fun.
Plan not to speed — allow extra time for delays and extra traffic on the road.
Arrange fun activities for kids along the way to help make their trip more enjoyable.
Be prepared
Get a map so you can estimate how long it will take to get there and plan your route.
Work out what you can do as part of your drive.
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the rest stops along the way.
Make sure you get enough sleep and don’t drink alcohol the night before you set off.
Pack wisely and don’t put the children in the car until you’re ready to go.[/ul]
Check that everything is okay No matter where you’re going it’s important to make sure you your vehicle trailer caravan and/or boat are in tip-top condition. Before going on a long trip it is advisable to book your vehicle in for a thorough safety check by a reputable mechanic. It’s also advisable to run through the following checklists before you go.
For all vehicles
You should check:
[ul]
that all lights (headlights brake lights and indicators) are in working order
that wipers washers and horn operate properly
the fan belt condition and tension
the brake and clutch fluid levels and battery water level
the cooling system and hoses
the oil levels (and check for leaks)
that your tyres (including your spare) are inflated to the pressure specified for your vehicle.[/ul]
If you’re towing a trailer boat or caravan
You should check that:
[ul]the vehicle you will drive is suited to the type and size of the trailer boat or caravan
any loads you are carrying are evenly distributed and properly restrained
fittings couplings and safety chains are correctly fastened
your vehicle trailer and caravan are roadworthy and registered
your number plate and registration stickers are not obscured
you are carrying only one trailer or caravan at a time (not both)
you don’t overload your trailer.[/ul]
Make sure you are fully prepared
Make sure you are fully prepared by:
[ul]avoiding alcohol the night before you leave
checking medications with your doctor (in case they make you drowsy when driving)
eating properly — not too little not too much
getting plenty of sleep the night before you set off.[/ul]
If you have children it’s also a good idea to pack some ‘boredom beaters’ for the trip. That way you’ll avoid that old familiar ‘are we there yet?’ cry from the back seat.
Try:
[ul]music — take along a portable music player with head phones for the children
car-friendly games puzzles and drawing books
car-friendly toys for younger children
car games like ‘I-spy’
a book on car games from the library or book store
small computer games.[/ul]
Also it is handy to remember:
[ul]plastic cups with their own lids and straws to avoid unnecessary spills
rations of food and drinks — but nothing too sweet or messy
a small cuddly blanket in case your children feel like having a nap — remember to ensure children are always restrained properly.[/ul]
Are you packing bikes for the children? Remember to pack bicycle helmets. Also remember to pack a rubbish bag so you can easily dispose of litter.
Right now you’re ready to go. Have an enjoyable trip!
Hitting the road
As soon as you get in the car put on your seat belt and make sure all passengers do the same. Seat belts improve your chances of surviving a serious crash by up to 50 per cent. Along the journey keep checking to make sure children are still wearing their seat belts. It is also important not to drive while you are tired. Driving while tired accounts for one in six crashes that result in serious injury or death.
Rules for survival
[ul]Share the driving if possible.
As soon as you feel tired stop and have a break.
Take a 15 minute break every two hours to rest your eyes and refresh yourself.
Don’t drive for more than 8–10 hours in a day.
Stop for a break[/ul]
Be sure to stop for a break when you suffer from:
[ul]sore or heavy eyes
dim or fuzzy vision
you start ‘seeing’ things
droning and humming in your ears
general tiredness
stiffness and cramps
aches and pains
day-dreaming
delayed reactions
unintentional increases or decreases in speed
fumbled gear changes
your car wanders across the road.[/ul]