Safety tips for Easter from the Department of Transport

Posted: Wednesday, April 12, 2017. 4:57 p.m. CST.

By BBN Staff: The Easter holidays are once again upon us and the Department of Transport would like to remind all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians about the important role that each and everyone of us has to play as it relates to the issue of road safety.

The department also take this opportunity to implore all road users to obey the road traffic laws with special emphasis on the following:

FOCUS ON DRIVING

Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking (No phone calls nor texting).

DRIVE “DEFENSIVELY”

Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected at all times.

DRIVE SOBER

“DO NOT” drive whilst consuming alcoholic beverages or whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If consuming alcohol/drugs, ensure you have a designated driver.

PRACTICE SAFETY

1. a) Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave home on any long distance trip. Ensure your Driver’s License, Vehicle License and Insurance are all in order.
2. b) Check to make sure the horn and all lights on your vehicle/motorcycle are fully functional. Turn on your headlights at night and when passing through low visibility areas (i.e., foggy, dusty roads, or smoke due to bush fires near highways).
3. c) Wear your seatbelts at all times and ensure all passengers in the vehicle are doing the same. Back seat passengers who are not wearing seatbelts can become missiles causing serious injuries or death to occupants of the front seat of vehicles should an accident occur.
4. d) Slow down when entering populated areas/villages or when going around curves.
5. e) Passengers travelling in the back of pickup trucks are most vulnerable to be injured or killed in the event of a crash. Bear in mind that it is also an offence to carry passengers in the back of pickup trucks.

CYCLISTS

Motorcyclists and Bicyclists should always wear a protective helmet (this includes the passenger on motorcycles) and also wear bright clothing or reflective vests whilst on the road after dark or early in the morning.

PEDESTRIANS

1. a) Pedestrians, please be on the lookout for reckless drivers and walk on the left-hand side of any road/highway (facing oncoming traffic) at all times.
2. b) Pedestrians should look for the most adequate locations to cross any road or highway. Use pedestrian crossing where available.

 

REMEMBER:

“ONE LIFE LOST IS ONE TOO MANY – LETS KEEP IT AT ZERO!!!”

“ROAD SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!!!”

 

HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE EASTER HOLIDAYS

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