SAFETY ON THE ROAD |18 December 2017
A total of 42 accidents, with7 injuries and 73 damaged vehicles, was recorded during the period December 7 – December 14, 2017.
We caution all drivers & pedestrians to be alert and stay safe at all times on the roads.
Road Safety Tip:
The holiday season is filled with happiness and celebration. While many drivers are in a jovial mood, driving a vehicle is one of the most potentially risky tasks they can undertake. However it is possible to prevent and reduce risks if you know how to check your car before driving. Visual inspections may avert accidents, and other potential road hazards. These can be prevented by some handy road safety and vehicle handling tips to master daily.
Check underneath your car for obvious leaks. Driving with leaking fluid may cause failure of the steering, brakes or radiator.
- 1. Tyre pressure checks
Check the tyres for proper inflation and any obvious damage or signs of excessive wear. In a worst-case scenario, a blown tire could cause you to crash.
- 2. Lights
Working lights are very important for night driving when going for those special family dinners or staff parties. With the rainy period in Seychelles especially in December, it is important to have proper functioning headlights. As a short check exercise, you can request someone to assist you to check your lights. Turn on the car and activate the directional signals, then apply the brakes and put the car in reverse so the person can see if lights are working correctly. Request the person to stand in front of the vehicle also, then turn on the headlights and activate the directional signals.
Be sure to also inspect the vents, heating system and air conditioning to be sure they are in working order so you can defog or defrost the windows when necessary.
- 3. Oil & fluid checks
Check the oil weekly. Check the brakes - brake checks can save your life from a potential road disaster, testing them before driving off is ideal. Cross check power steering fluids and engine coolant transmission fluids to be sure they are full. Check fluids when the engine is cold.
- 4. Dashboard & alarm system
Check your odometer, speedometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge if they are working or not. Most importantly, do not forget to test your vehicle alarm and the locking system, and ensure that all doors are locked and secured.
- 5. Seatbelt Fastening
Last but not least, before moving, fasten your seat belt, irrespective of the distance you intend to travel. Wearing your seatbelt is for your own safety and is also mandatory by law.
Contributed by the Road Safety Advisory Committee