Below are some good tips in fighting driver fatigue when travelling long distances.
Begin your trip well rested
Start your trip after 7:00am
Plan to stop for at least 15 minutes every 2 hours to take a break from driving
Plan when you will take longer meal breaks
Plan to complete most of the trip during daylight hours
Be sure to book overnight accommodation on a long trip to break the journey
If possible, share the driving
First Aid
It is a good idea to carry a commercial travel first aid kit in your car but if you don't have one, below are some items you should try to pack.
Band-Aids (or similar)
Large bandage
Safety pins
Antiseptic cream
Sling
Small scissors
Small bottle of sterilising agent
Paracetamol
Insect sting ointment
Burn ointment
A needle for the removal of splinters
Other handy items are a blanket and a small fire extinguisher.
Mobile Phones and Driving
It is illegal to drive or ride a vehicle while using a hand-held mobile phone. This means that talking, sending or receiving text messages, playing games or taking photos are illegal when using a hand-held phone. It is also illegal to perform these activities when your vehicle is stopped but not parked, for example when you are waiting at traffic lights.
A hands-free device can reduce the physical effort to make and receive calls but it doesn't necessarily make it safe to use a phone while driving. It is illegal to use a hands-free phone while driving if it causes you to lose proper control of your vehicle.
If you must talk on a hands-free phone while driving:
Make sure it is a hands-free phone that is set up and working before you start driving
Keep the conversation short. Don't engage in complex or emotional conversations
Tell the person on the other end that you are driving and may have to end the call
Never text message (SMS) while driving
End the call if it is distracting you from driving
Remember, when talking on a hands-free mobile phone, you may still not have proper control of your vehicle.
Accidents
Actions to be taken in the event of an accident:
Stop immediately
Use headlights, indicator lights or hazard lights to warn other drivers, and to light up the scene if it is dark
If possible send someone to warn oncoming drivers
Help the injured
Dial 000 (some mobiles may require dialling 112 instead) to make contact with Police (and/or Ambulance) if anyone is killed or injured, either your vehicle or the other vehicle needs to be towed away or you are unable to provide particulars to the owner
Exchange drivers' names, addresses, registration numbers and names of vehicle owners with others involved in the crash
Clear the road of broken glass and debris
After an accident has occurred always be mindful of your own safety, as well as that of others
Whatever you do, always be on the alert for the dangers posed by vehicles still using the road
Child Restraints
Child restraints provide excellent protection for children involved in crashes. Here are some tips when travelling with young children.
Always use an approved child restraint
Don't carry your child in your arms. In a crash you won't be able to hold onto your child. He or she will be thrown around the vehicle interior or thrown out of the vehicle
Keep your child in a rearward-facing restraint until he or she physically won't fit
The same applies to a forward facing child seat
Before moving to a forward-facing child seat, your child must be able to sit and easily hold their head upright
