AA: How to survive the Easter madness

Having two long weekends in a row has heightened the need for extra vigilance on the road over the Easter period, says the AA.

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Johannesburg - The unusual situation of having two long weekends in a row, and the opportunity for leave that many people have taken advantage of, have heightened the need for extra vigilance on the road over the Easter weekend.

The Automobile Association has warned that traffic volumes on some roads will be even heavier than the norm for a holiday weekend - and the deadly results are already there to see, with at least 19 people killed on Western Cape roads over the Human Rights Day weekend, including four in one head-on collision and several pedestrians.

"There will undoubtedly be more cars on the road as people drive to and from their holiday destinations," said an AA spokesman. "Adjust your driving accordingly; don't be in a hurry, buckle up and get there safely rather than not at all."

Road fatality statistics from the December festive season increased by an alarming 14 percent on the previous year, he pointed out.

"When we commented on the December figures we noted our concern," he said, "and we pointed to poor driver attitude as a major contributor to road crashes, and, ultimately, road deaths.

"But there's no point complaining about the lack of law enforcement, poor road conditions, or the behaviour of other drivers, if you don't take responsibility for your own actions first."

PARTY TIME

In addition to the year-round calls to all drivers to drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions (and in bad weather that is often a lot slower than the speed limit!) not to use cellphones while driving and to stop when they're tired, he made the point that holiday weekend are party time.

There will be many social events where people will be drinking, and that motorists who have to travel afterwards should either stay sober or make use of drive home services such as Goodfellas or the AA's Designated Driver service.

"Make sure your car is in good working condition - especially the tyres - so it can take you to your holiday destination, and bring you and your family safely back again," he concluded.

THE AA'S IMPORTANT RULES FOR DRIVING THIS EASTER WEEKEND

Always buckle up, including passengers in the front and rear

Ensure your child is in an appropriate, and approved, car seat

Obey the speed limit

Check your tyres (including the spare)

Drive sober

Pay attention

Be courteous and considerate to other road users