Roads are complex environments with multiple natural and interdependent human factors causing it to be in constant flux. Decisions made by pedestrians, drivers and passengers affect each other and have a cascading effect on the decisions that follow.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of a fatal injury by up to:
for front-seat occupants
for rear-seat passengers
Therefore, use seat belts every time you get in the vehicle. Remember, if you’re responsible enough to drive a car, you’re responsible enough to make sure everyone is safely buckled in.
Ensure that all passengers in your vehicle are wearing their seat belt correctly, and pay extra attention to children who are placed in a car seat or a booster seat. Use equipment appropriate to their age, height and weight, and properly secure the seats with the seat belt as per the instructions specific to the equipment.
Watch our GoSafe video: Buckle Up, Saves Lives tips
Accidents can happen to anyone, but happen more often when drivers are distracted and unable to see the warning signs of a potential accident. Distraction can take various forms, like adjusting the radio station, receiving a text message on your mobile phone, applying makeup, eating, drinking or even a child’s movement in the back seat.
When going through one of the above events, you may take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or your mind off driving, all of which are equally dangerous. One of the most dangerous activities, however, would be sending a text message while driving. It combines visual, kinesthetic and cognitive distractions, creating a scenario where you are not focused on all fronts. Anticipate your needs by setting your destination in your GPS and picking your music before you start your trip, and make an effort to only take phone calls and text messages before or after your trip.
Remember to always maintain focus on the road, keep both hands on the steering wheel, minimise passenger distractions, and avoid talking while driving.
Here are 3 Safety Tips for Keeping your Focus while driving.
Vehicles are built to protect passengers in various ways, equipped with seat belts and air bags. However, some areas of the car can still be improved to increase safety when driving.
It's fun to take your pet in the car with you, but they can become a dangerous distraction while driving, leading to mistakes and accidents on the road.
Some safety precautions can be safe for you and your best friend! Keep your pets in the back seat using the appropriate restrictions.
Do not leave them alone in the vehicle and don't let them put their face out of the car. These precautions can make your pet's next car ride safer and much more pleasant for everyone.
You may even consider getting RunFlat tires that are built to protect your vehicle in a situation where your tire would usually blow out or lose pressure. When a tire deflates, a standard tire will no longer be able to hold its shape, causing it to have poor contact with the road and wobble, resulting in poor traction and control. RunFlat tires are designed and made to maintain their shape and integrity in the event of zero tire pressure, ensuring safety during such events.
