Driving is such an integral part of our lives that we tend to forget how many people die in road accidents every year.
South African businesses also incur financial losses due to motor vehicle damage or loss, lost productivity, property damage and workplace loss, among others.
Guide to road safety
Road safety is not an often-discussed topic but with more people dying on our roads every year, it’s as important as ever to drive safely.
With the benefit of experience in the industry, we would like to share our top tips to help you become the safest driver on the road.
Be aware
Distracted driving Is one of the leading causes of the high accident rate in South Africa. Many accidents are caused by drivers being distracted by electronic devices, especially cell phones.
There are also other reasons for a motorist’s flagging attention such as being distracted by passengers in their vehicle and eating or drinking while driving.
Ensure your vehicle is in good condition
Make sure your vehicle is ready for the road with our quick checklist:
- Tyre quality: Ensure that your tyres are in good condition with adequate tread and that your spare is inflated and in good repair.
- Recently serviced engine: Make sure you have recently checked the parts that are most prone to wear and tear including the fan belt, brake pads, clutch and gearbox. Also, top up your engine oil and water.
- Standard vehicle equipment: Check that you have a reflective triangle, a wheel spanner, jumper cables and a car jack.
- Lights: Be sure to check your headlights, tail lights and brake lights.
- Emergency kit: Should include a fire extinguisher, tyre gauge, tyre sealant, torch, gloves, duct tape, cable ties, tow rope and a multipurpose utility tool.
Be prepared
Check the parts that usually come standard with a vehicle such as a wheel spanner, jumper cables and a car jack.
If you don’t have them, or they aren’t in working condition, ensure that you replace or repair them in advance. You should also have an emergency kit available at all times.
Keep these items in your vehicle emergency kit:
- Fire extinguisher
- Tyre gauge
- Tyre sealant
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Gloves
- Duct tape
- Cable ties
- Tow strap or tow rope
- Multipurpose utility tool with a sharp knife
Avis Fleet solutions are a comprehensive offering that enhance every aspect of fleet management. We have solutions that help customers with everything from vehicle acquisition to maintenance, Telematics and making provisions for accidents.