An extensive
range of route maps is available from AA Auto Shops.
Plan the route you will travel before you leave. Let
a family member or friend know when you will be leaving
and when you expect to return from your holiday. Also
give them a copy of your planned route.
2. ENSURE THAT YOUR CAR IS
ROADWORTHY
A roadworthiness check should
include the following:
Headlights
Indicators
Stop lights
Tail lights
Windscreen wiper blades
Brakes
Steering
Tyres, including the spare
Exhaust system
Possible fuel leaks
3. CHECK
YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES
Your motor
vehicle, household, homeowner’s and life assurance
policies should be in order and kept in a safe place.
This will help to give you peace of mind should anything
happen while you are on holiday.
4. CARRY
SPARE FAN BELT AND RADIATOR HOSES
Your car
may break down in a remote area where these parts are
not readily available, so it is wise to carry spares
in your car.
5. JACK
AND WHEEL SPANNER
Make sure
that you have a serviceable lifting-jack and wheel-spanner
in your car.
6. SPARE
KEYS
Keep a
spare set of ignition, boot and house keys in your wallet
or purse – you never know when you may need them.
7. CANCEL
DELIVERIES
Cancel
newspaper deliveries to your home and inform the nearest
police station that you will be away.
WHILE ON THE ROAD
1.
Buckle-up and
make sure all your passengers do too. Younger
children should be seated in child-restraint devices.
2.
Maintain a safe
following distance.
3.
Adjust your
speed to road conditions. Slow down when it is
raining or when the road is wet. Also reduce your
speed when travelling in rural areas where animals
may cross the road at any time.
4.
Use low beam
headlights between sunset and sunrise as well
as in poor visibility. (Never drive with your
parking lights on.)
5.
Guard against
fatigue. Make frequent rest stops or, where possible,
change drivers.
6.
Carry a blanket,
fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
7.
Start your holiday
the moment you leave home. Don’t speed or
drive irresponsibly to get to your holiday destination
– you might never get there.
8.
Always obey
the rules of the road.
WHILE ON HOLIDAY
1.
Keep your car
locked when unattended.
2.
Don’t
leave valuables in your car where these may create
a temptation for passersby. Rather lock these
items in the boot.
3.
Don’t
leave valuables in your car where these may create
a temptation for passersby. Rather lock these
items in the boot.
4.
Never leave
a child or pet in a parked car. The temperature
build-up in a car, which has been parked in the
sun, may cause heatstroke that can be fatal.
