Driving safely in the festive season

School holidays and Christmas should be times of great happiness and an opportunity to enjoy a well earned break with the family. It unfortunately introduces challenges to our safety and that of the rest of the drivers on the road and the occupants of our car.

Often drivers undertake a long trip that represents the longest duration at the wheel in an extended period. This is sometimes compounded by being on unfamiliar roads which have inherent hazards.

The pressures to be at a certain place by a certain time, coupled with fatigue, can be associated with serious and or fatal consequences. Remember, it may be the car coming towards you that may be driven by a driver who may not be fully alert. Defensive driving skills and planning ‘what if’ strategies are essential.

It goes without saying that the above, combined with alcohol, is putting the risk of an incident in the far too high category. If you don’t want to win the lottery do not buy a ticket. If you review the results of Random Breath Tests it is not uncommon for about 1% of drivers to be over the legal limit. To put this in perspective, get the kids to count 100 cars coming towards you. It is probable 1 of those drivers is affected.

Fatigue has been identified as a contributing factor in many incidents. Stop when tired and powernap - it works. Share the driving if you can. Remember you are on holidays not on a rigid delivery schedule. Your cargo is the most valuable thing.

Have a safe and happy festive season.

Remember all incidents and injuries are preventable. The better planned and prepared we are the less likelihood of an incident.

Kevin Bassett 
Corporate Safety Manager