Volksblad

Afgaanse konflik eis Australiër
'n Oud-Suid-Afrikaner is die naweek as 'n Australiese spesmagte-soldaat in Afganistan dood.

Omstrede beslissing knou Kallis
Jacques Kallis moet sweerlik wonder wat die krieketgode dan nou eintlik teen hom het.

Webwerf

Argiewe

Eiendomme

WEER

Bloem 14-30°C

Voorspellings

NUUSBRIEF
Registreer hier

KONTAK ONS
Wie is ons
Redaksie
Advertensies
Bemarking

Tel. 051 404 7600

Fatigue one of main causes
Dec 03 2008 03:57:16:490PM - (SA)


Druk artikel
E-pos storie aan 'n vriend

According to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) and petroleum partner BP, driving at night and through mountain passes are two of the most common causes of accidents and deaths during the holiday period. With the increase in traffic flow on the roads this festive season, the AA and BP are once again urging motorists to be safe on the road. “Due to the decrease in traffic flow at night, fewer accidents occur after dark than during daylight, however, the proportion of fatalities is higher,” says Gary Ronald, AA manager of public affairs. “The factors commonly associated with night accidents are fatigue, inattention and alcohol abuse,” continues Ronald.

When driving at night the AA has listed the following tips for motorists: . Do not keep your gaze focused at a single distance as this will increase eye fatigue . Glance about frequently and take in areas at the edge of the area lit by your headlights . Reduce your speed at night . Following distances should be increased at night . Headlights should be dimmed well before an approaching vehicle is within range of the main beam . Headlights need to be adjusted periodically

In addition, increased road accidents over the years at Van Reenen’s pass on the N3 has highlighted the risks associated with negotiating mountain passes; with the increased traffic volumes this holiday season, the AA urges motorists to be aware of the risks when negotiating these mountain passes.

The AA and BP have highlighted that being aware of the risks mountain passes pose, can reduce the accident rate and have listed the following ways in which this can be done:

Be aware of reduced visibility

Be aware of loose debris caused by rock slides

Reduce speed because there are sharp corners and it takes longer to stop on loose surfaces or steep gradients

Apply brakes in a straight line before entering a bend

Mist and fog is often present so keep your headlights on at all times

Ensure your car is roadworthy and your tyres are in good condition

“Motorists need to be patient and respect other road users who are travelling slowly, they are being safe and do not need to be harassed,” says Ronald. “The AA has been involved in road safety for over 75 years and every year we try to do as much as we can to keep motorists safe, regardless of the time of year,” concludes Ronald. BP has also had a long history with road safety and has added more muscle behind education initiatives in recent years, particularly around driver fatigue.

Peter Theron, BP’s head of safety and operations, warns that over 20% of all accidents on our roads are caused by truck drivers during the early hours of the morning, mainly due to fatigue and lack of sleep.

“Tired drivers can be compared to drunk drivers when it comes to judgment and driving performance. Many drivers that work night shifts have a poor sleep regime and are motivated by kilometer incentives from their companies and are not trained in managing fatigue properly.

“As part of our commitment to driver safety, we have integrated government legislation around Health and Safety into our policies and made it compulsory for our drivers to attend Defensive Driving and Fatigue Management Courses to reduce the number of accidents on the road”, says Theron.

Teken in op Volksblad