NATIONAL NEWS - With Easter around the corner, roads are likely to become extremely busy with family and friends visiting over the long weekend.

Traveling safely is of utmost importance, and not drinking and driving or speeding are at the top of the list to remain safe.

The Arrive Alive campaign shared some safety tips for traveling.

Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s license with you.

Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow enough time to reach the destination - taking into account any road works and delays along the route. 

Check that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, the exhaust system and tyres should be carefully checked before departure. Do not overload the vehicle.

Try to avoid driving after dark, if possible. Have a good rest before you embark on your journey. Take safety breaks and rest stops every two hours or 200 km. Try to recognise potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them.

Be visible – drive with your lights on. Headlights should be dimmed well before an approaching vehicle is within the range of the main beam. Always wear your safety-belt and check to see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.

Drive defensively with a focus on safety and respect towards all road users. Stay within the speed limit at all times. Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so, and when in doubt, don’t.

Avoid distractions while driving – leave the cellular phone alone - remain focused and alert at all times. Maintain at least a 3-second following distance - this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.

Expect others not to be as obedient to the law as yourself and think for the other road user as well.

Be courteous towards fellow road users - keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate. 

Be alert to changing road and weather conditions. Always stay calm and rather arrive later rather than never.

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