Are you getting ready to hit the road with your friends or family? Drive safely with these road trip tips from Affinity Health.

Plan Ahead For A Safe Road Trip

Road accidents happen to even the best and safest drivers. Despite sticking to the speed limit and rules of the road, whenever you are behind the wheel, you have no control over what other drivers are doing.

“You can’t control weather conditions. Rain, sleet, or ice that can cause the road to be slippery, or fog, mist, or bright sunshine that can obstruct your vision. You also can’t control bad road conditions. These include potholes, uneven road surfaces, broken concrete, and sinkholes, or poorly placed traffic signals, or blind curves,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“With all the above in mind, it’s critical that you consider you and your family’s safety in your vehicle every time you get in the car, no matter how long your journey may be.”

Protect Your Precious Cargo

Aside from obeying the rules of the road and always wearing a seatbelt, following these seven safety tips by Affinity Health will ensure that you’ve done everything possible to protect your family, allowing you to get out on the road and create special festive memories.

1. Plan your route ahead of time by using a GPS navigation programme or a road atlas. Try to stick to major routes or toll roads for peace of mind. If you must drive on back roads, make a list of the towns along the route and the distance between them. Always make sure that a friend or family member who will not be traveling with you is aware of the route you intend to take. Ideally, you should keep them updated on your journey’s progress and notify them when you get safely at your destination.

2. Before leaving your home, make sure your car is in good working order. Check for problems with all lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system, and tyres. Also, remember when packing the car not to overload it. If your car doesn’t have enough boot space for all luggage, consider packing lighter or hiring a trailer.

3. Schedule rest stops along the journey. After every two hours or 200 kilometres, take a break and stretch your legs, grab a cup of coffee or grab a bite to eat. Regular stops go a long way in preventing driver fatigue and increasing alertness. If you’re going an extra-long journey, instead of driving more than eight hours, book an overnight stay.

4. Just as important as taking regular stops, is ensuring you stop at safe locations. Avoid stopping in remote regions and be aware of any areas where criminal activities, such as hijackings and smash-and-grabs, could occur. Always keep your valuables in the trunk of your car and never leave stuff like mobile phones and wallets out in the open, unattended, or on the passenger seat.

5. Always make sure you’re visible to other drivers on the road, whether you’re driving during the day or at night. During the day, keep your lights on. Maintain at least a three-second following distance during daytime traffic, and increase this distance at night, in foggy or rainy weather.

6. Travelling with little children is difficult and backseat temper tantrums may cause the driver and other passengers to feel tense or anxious. On long journeys, keep small children happy with a range of their favourite snacks and toys, such as portable DVD players, colouring books, and crayons. If your child is prone to motion sickness and complains of dizziness or nausea, getting out of the car for a breath of fresh air will help. Alternatively, there are over-the-counter motion sickness medications that you can give your child prior to travel.

7. Ensure that you – and everyone in the car – is wearing a seatbelt (including those in the backseat). Road traffic collisions are the main cause of death for children and young adults aged five to 29 years old. Buckling up can save your life. Statistics show that wearing a seat belt reduces your chances of being injured or killed in a car collision by half. In addition to seatbelts, make sure all younger children are strapped in a car seats and older children are riding in a booster seat.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.