Every year, thousands of motorists across South Africa set off on long, often exhausting, journeys without adequate preparation of their vehicles or enough rest. Yet research has shown that badly maintained vehicles and fatigued drivers are two of the biggest causes of accidents over the festive season.

Many people still rush off straight from work to their holiday destination. In their rush to leave, they often skimp on checking and preparing their vehicles adequately for the journey. Not surprisingly, this is often reflected in problems experienced during the departure trip. Estimates suggest that fatigue is a factor in up to 30% of fatal crashes and 15% of serious-injury crashes.

“A safe, relaxed journey begins by having your vehicle – car, caravan or trailer – checked and well maintained before you depart,” says Lize Hayward, the Goodyear Group's public relations manager.

Driving, whether it’s a journey of 500 kilometres or it involves a long trek of over 1000 kilometres, brings its own set of challenges: high volumes of traffic, long distances and the combination of day- and night-time driving can test a driver’s limits.

Research shows that many drivers still underestimate the effect of fatigue, drowsiness and decreasing alertness on their driving abilities.

“Driving to one’s holiday destination is not at all like the driving we do daily between home, work and social commitments. Going on a long motoring journey brings its own set of challenges that we need to take into consideration,” says Hayward. “Unfamiliar roads, long hours behind the wheel, day- and night-time driving coupled with a family impatient to get to its destination do not constitute an everyday driving occurrence.”

Many drivers prefer to drive during the night time to avoid driving in heavy traffic or during the heat of the day. Night-time driving takes its toll on the body, however, and this is all too often underestimated.

About 40% of accidents occur at night. This is not surprising, as night-time driving decreases one’s driving abilities. Swaying in lanes, an inability to keep a constant speed and an increased number of steering corrections are the result.

“If you do decide to drive at night, make sure your car is prepared: clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows are elementary necessities for safe night-time driving. Make sure your headlights are aimed properly, so they illuminate the road properly and don’t blind other drivers. Reduce your speed and increase your following distance when driving at night. Remember that it is more difficult to judge other vehicles’ speed and distance at night,” advises Hayward.

Planning the journey ahead – including rest and stop-over points – helps break it down into realistic, manageable drives that get you to your destination safely and relaxed. (Issued by Goodyear SA)