Every year hundreds of matric pupils embark on a holiday or breakaway shortly after their final exams. Unfortunately we often find in the media reports of fatal crashes where our young learners are amongst these accident victims!
It is important for both parents and young drivers to recognize these dangers on the road – and to acknowledge that there are unique challenges for these young drivers.
The aspects that require special attention include:
* Drunk Driving – No matter how inviting this may appear – do not drink and drive! Be a COOL friend and accept responsibility. Be the designated driver!
* Seatbelt wearing – You cannot always protect from the dangers presented by other drivers, pedestrians or animals – but you can protect against the consequences of these accidents. Wear seatbelts from departure to your destination – be safe!
* Avoiding distractions – Distractions include those from passengers, other road users, technology [texting, iPod], eating, drinking, smoking, noise, roadside distractions etc…
* Driver tiredness – your trip should not be a race to your destination. Stop at regular intervals – every 2 hours or 200km’s. Your driver can have a break and you can fill up your tanks. The journey is part of your trip – enjoy it! Avoid late night driving if possible!
* Speeding – you’re not in a race to the finish line and there’s nothing to prove. Get there. Don’t miss out on your “holiday of a lifetime” because of speed. The true hero is the driver who arrives alive with his passengers at their destinations. Allow yourself enough time to take evasive action and avoid accidents.
At the end of 2009 TracN4 suggested that the Arrive Alive website focus on these young drivers – and that we also share road safety messages from South Africa celebrities with our young drivers!
We would like to urge all our matric pupils and their parents to view the following section before embarking on a well deserved breakaway!