As Easter weekend approaches, along with another two potential long weekends after that, many drivers may be embarking on holiday trips. Needless to say, South Africans can expect increased traffic on the roads and for the period to again have the second highest road fatality rate.
April is also international driving while distracted (DWD) awareness month. In South Africa, it is estimated as much as 60 % of crashes are because of DWD. While studies are not available specifically for holiday driving, it is likely a large portion of crashes over the Easter period involve distracted driving and, consequently, creating unnecessary risk on the road during this time.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says drivers embarking on holiday trips soon, need to ensure they do not become part of increased fatality statistics because of distraction. “Awareness campaigns, videos caught in real-time and even personal near-misses still do not change mindsets on DWD enough.
“While awareness campaigns are essential, these initiatives compete with the much stronger force: addiction to devices. Change needs something more powerful than this addiction that will stop a driver from picking up their phone even when they know how dangerous it is.”
This is where technology itself becomes important to reduce distracted driving when a driver may not have the motivation to do so. “MasterDrive partnered with an app provider, Lifesaver, which detects that a vehicle is moving and locks the screen of a device – taking the decision to use a phone out of the driver’s hands.
“Yet, with other safety concerns in South African, the device does not become completely useless. Emergency features can be unlocked and passengers allowed to use your phone. If you have difficulty staying focused when your device rings or sends a notification, an app like Lifesaver will assist you with this.”
As you embark on your holiday travels follow these tips to reduce both technological and other distractions:
- Do not answer non-essential calls which can be returned once you stop
- Give your phone to your passenger to handle calls that cannot be delayed
- Before leaving, set-up the navigation and select your entertainment – and be mindful of music or content that could cause distraction
- Adjust vehicle settings to your preference before leaving
- If you are travelling with children prepare entertainment to keep them occupied throughout
- Stop regularly and to allow children to release energy so that it does not escalate in the vehicle
- Find a safe place to stop and eat rather than eat while driving and pack snacks that are easy to consume should stopping not be possible.
- Even with Bluetooth connected, be selective when deciding which calls to answer – if it can wait, let it wait.
Carry these tips with you if you will be travelling this Easter period. “Additionally use a technology solution like Lifesaver that will help you stick to your commitment to never drive while distracted,” says Herbert.