1 Obey the rules of the road and carry your drivers license with you.

2 Plan the route to your holiday destination and give yourself enough time to reach the destination

3 Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.

4 Do not overload.

5 Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.

6 Have a good rest before you embark on your journey

7 Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km

8 Do not drink and drive

9 Try to recognize potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them

10 Be visible – drive with your lights on

11 Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within range of the main beam.

12 Always wear your seat belt and check to see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.

13 Drive defensively

14 Stay within the speed limit at all times

15 Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so

16 Avoid distractions while driving

17 Maintain at least a 2 second following distance - this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.

18 Expect others not to be as obedient to the law as yourself

19 Be courteous towards fellow road users - keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate

20 Be alert to changing road and weather conditions

Share these suggestions with your family and friends – And may you and your family have a happy and safe festive season!!

[Advice from www.arrivealive.co.za]