We always seem to be in a hurry whether it’s for a business meeting or family holiday. So, it’s not surprising that the single biggest cause of death and serious injury in our country is road accidents. Most accidents are preventable, so be crash free by following these easy safety tips.

Pedestrians 

• Cross at intersections
• Walk on the pavement if there is no sidewalk, keep close to the curb and walk facing traffic
• Wear bright colours or reflective clothing if you are walking at night
• Be vigilant
• Never run into a street
• Only cross the road at a pedestrian crossing or when it is safe to do so, never jay walk

Motorists

• Check your vehicle regularly, including your lights, mirrors, tyres, brakes and windshield washer fluid 
• Stay within the speed limit at all times 
• Don’t tailgate – always stay at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you. If you are the one being tailgated, don’t slam on the brakes to teach the driver a lesson. Instead, signal him to go round, the further away you are from him, the better.
• Don’t assume that trucks drive like cars. Trucks need much more room to stop than an average car, so keep your distance.
• Do not overload your vehicle
• Don’t play loud music. You should be able to hear the other cars and traffic, especially sirens.
• Don’t remain in someone’s blind spot, it’s the equivalent of begging for an accident
• Use a hands-free set, this device will allow you to keep your attention where it belongs
• When travelling on a long journey, take frequent breaks
• Drive with your headlights on for better visibility to other motorists
• Use your hazards when you encounter a sudden obstruction on the highway
• Pay extra attention when driving in wet weather
• Obey traffic signals and implement good road manners and behaviour
• Don’t give in to road rage
• Never drive when you are angry or emotional

Cyclists

• Always wear cycle helmets to prevent serious head injuries
• Never ride through puddles, there may be hazards beneath the water that aren’t visible to you
• Always wear reflective and fluorescent clothing so that you are visible to other road users
• All the rules of the road and traffic signals still apply to you
• Keep both hands on the handlebars unless signaling
• Always signal when turning
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it
• Avoid carrying any load that will affect your balance and centre of gravity

Motorcyclists

• Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride
• Make sure you dress the part by wearing the proper gear: a helmet, gloves, boots and jacket
• Ride with caution
• Don’t ride when you are tired, it’s like driving under the influence, – you’re not in control of your abilities. Avoid it.
• In traffic, never ride in-between lanes or share a lane with another vehicle
• Don’t only use the back brakes as this can cause the bike to skid
• Never overtake if you can't see the road ahead
• Always look out for other vehicles’ blind spots (no zones) and make sure you are not in them
• When carrying a passenger, make sure that your passenger also wears a helmet at all times
• Your passenger should also be advised to always lean with the angle of the motorcycle