The year-end holiday season goes hand in hand with functions and celebrations, visits to family and friends and the inevitable mass exodus to our country’s many beautiful beaches.

No matter where you and your loved ones decide to spend the coming holidays, chances are that you’ll be travelling by road.

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According to Mande Toubkin, Head of Netcare’s Trauma Division road accidents are by far the biggest cause of traumatic injuries sustained by South Africans.

“During the festive season these figures are known to show a rapid increase. Last year, for example, more than 1 200 people died on the roads of South Africa during the December 2006/January 2007 holiday season. In order to raise awareness for road safety and in an effort to stem the tide of unnecessary road deaths Netcare and Netcare 911 in collaboration with the Road Safety Foundation and Arrive Alive is putting in a special effort to keep everyone safe on the road this festive season,” says Mande.

Road deaths remain high
This is reiterated by Petro Kruger of the Road Safety Foundation who adds that a staggering 42% of road deaths were pedestrians while an estimated 55% of fatalities were caused as a result of drinking and driving. “Driver fatigue played a major role in the exceptionally high death rate on South Africa’s roads last year.”

Every holiday season road safety campaigns, such as Arrive Alive, keep reminding us about the rules of the road. Yet every year the death toll on our roads remains high. Just as alarming are the drowning and near drowning figures reported by the coastal authorities during the period.

One of the organisations that deals with both situations, and is witness to the destruction caused by not adhering to the most basic of safety warnings, is medical emergency services provider, Netcare 911.

“Whenever you find yourself in a spot of trouble, where people are hurt and in need of urgent medical attention, whether it is at the seashore on or your way to your holiday destination, the number to remember is 082 911,” says Dr Glenn Staples, Medical Director of Netcare 911.

Be rested and alert
According to Staples many drivers never consider the importance of being in a good mental and physical condition when embarking on a road trip. Just as important is the planning that goes into that trip before you switch on the engine.

Drivers need to ensure that they are rested and alert, that their vehicle is roadworthy and, if possible, be knowledgeable about the route that they are going to take,” he offers. “Getting lost or disorientated, especially when tired, can cause a driver to become distracted and have an accident.”

Some of the basic safety tips all road users should adhere to, are:

• Always ‘buckle up’


• Get an adequate amount of quality sleep before setting off on your journey


• Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods


• If you are taking any medications, make sure that they won’t impair your driving ability


• Stop and take a break from driving at least every two hours


• If you are feeling really tired, stop at a safe place and take a nap – wait for at least ten minutes before getting back in the car as you need to ensure that you are properly awake


• Stop over somewhere for the night if your journey is going to take a number of hours


• If possible, drive with a companion and switch driving when you start to feel tired


• Talk with passengers to help you stay alert, although not to the extent that you become distracted


• Keep the temperature in your car cool as a warmer environment encourages lethargy


• Make a point of checking blind spots and ‘reading’ the road and traffic conditions – don’t just keep your eye on the vehicle ahead of you.

Netcare 911 provides emergency medical services to patients in crisis, including air and road evacuation, telephonic advisory services and a range of safety products aimed at assisting the public in obtaining the best possible assistance during an emergency.

“We will, as always, be on high alert during this coming holiday season and our road ambulance bases covering the major routes will be well prepared,” concludes Staples.

“While we hope that you will be safe and not need us, should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation that you do, be assured that our highly-trained emergency medical services personnel will be speeding to your rescue.”

Drivers be road safe
Arrive Alive provides the following safety precaution measures for drivers:

Before leaving

• Work or virtually any activity increases the likelihood of fatigue.


• Start any trip by getting enough sleep the night before - at least six hours is recommended.


• Emotional stress or illness can also cause fatigue.


• Plan your route, refuelling, rests and overnight stops.


• Check your car's roadworthiness. Headlights, indicators, stop lights, tail-lights, windscreen wiper blades, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, tyre pressures, exhaust system and possible oil or fuel leaks.


• Check coolant, fluids and oil levels.


• Check that the spare wheel is in good condition and properly inflated. Make sure that you have a serviceable jack and wheelbrace.


• Ensure any luggage or cargo is put in the boot or secured in the vehicle.


• Never transport flammable liquid in the vehicle. Plan your refuelling stops.

While travelling

• Take a 15-minute break at least every 2 hours.


• Prevent sun glare and eye fatigue by wearing good quality sunglasses.


• Avoid eating heavy foods.


• Do not consume any alcohol during your trip.


• An overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the fatigue effects.


• If you can, have another person ride with you, so you will have someone to talk to and who can share the driving.


• Make sure that you rest when you are not driving.


• Avoid driving during your body's downtime (1am – 5am).


• Boredom can also cause fatigue. Music / radio / conversation is helpful.


• Always use your seat belts.


• Keep a safe distance behind the car in front of you.


• Drive according to the road conditions.


• Reduce speed when it is raining or the road is wet.


• Adhere to speed limits.


• Use low beam headlights (never drive with parking lights) between sunset and sunrise as well as in overcast or misty weather conditions.


• Look out for these signs when you are driving:


• you keep yawning


• your reactions slow down


• you feel stiff your eyes feel heavy


• you find you are daydreaming


• you wander over the centre line or on to the edge of the road


• If you notice any of these danger signs, stop for a rest. If needed, a quick nap - even 20 minutes will help. During your break, get some exercise - it helps you become more alert quickly.

Rest stop precautions

• If it is after dark or you need to stop, find a lighted safe roadside rest area to park.


• Give yourself a little outside air, but make sure that windows are closed enough to prevent entry from the outside.


• Lock all doors.


• Turn on your parking lights and turn off other electrical equipment.


• After you rest, get out of the vehicle and walk for a few minutes to be sure you are completely awake before you begin to drive again.

When parked

• Keep your car locked when unattended.


• Don't leave valuables inside the car where they can be seen by passers-by. Lock such items in the boot.


• Be especially careful when loading or unloading the boot that keys are not locked inside the car.

(MNA PR, December 2007)
 

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