ACT Policing is urging all motorists who are travelling interstate over the holidays to plan their trips and ensure their cars are in good working order.
“Some drivers become complacent when it comes to their cars. They assume that because the car had a service at one time during the year, the car should be right to go. If you are heading out of Canberra on your holidays, take a few minutes over the next couple of days to check your car,” Superintendent of Traffic Operations Mark Colbran said.“There are some basic checks that anyone can do. Do all the tyres, including the spare, have a safe amount of tread across the entire surface of the tyre, and are the tyres properly inflated? Check the water and oil levels, including the windscreen washer. Make sure that the front and rear windows are clean and the windscreen wiper blades are in good condition. Finally, check that all headlights, brake and tail lights, and indicators are working correctly.”
To keep yourself safe on your journey, here are some safety tips to follow:
· Plan your trip. Ensure that you are rested before you leave and that you stop every two hours for a rest.
· Always drive to the road and weather conditions. In rain or poor visibility, or if you are on an unfamiliar or poorly maintained road, slow down.
· Obey the speed limits.
· Don’t drink and drive.
· Try to always be aware of your exact location. In unfamiliar surroundings try to remember landmarks and place names around you. In an emergency you will need to tell the emergency operator exactly where you are so that help can arrive in the shortest possible time.
· Finally, be patient. Long distance driving can be frustrating, but that frustration can lead some people to take unnecessary risks. Calm down and arrive alive.
“We have seen a number of Canberrans injured or killed during the year on interstate roads. Taking a few simple precautions can help you and your family to arrive safely and have an enjoyable holiday,” Supt Colbran said.
19 June 2024 |
