ER24 shares road safety tips for the holidays

ER24 paramedics share road safety advice for families hitting the road this summer.

Road deaths in South Africa have been going down in recent years, but over 1 400 people still lost their lives in car accidents last holiday season. There are many reasons for these crashes – some, like bad weather, are beyond the driver’s control; but others could have been prevented. With many families taking to the road these holidays, ER24 paramedics, who are also parents, share the safety tips they follow when travelling.

Buckle up

One of the most important safety tips ER24 emphasises is always wearing your seatbelt. Senior Critical Care Paramedic Maxine Dickson-Hall says studies have shown that when child safety seats are properly installed for children aged 0-4 years, the chances of them needing hospitalisation after an accident are reduced by 69%.

She stresses that it’s important for everyone in the car, both adults and children, to wear their seatbelts correctly. “Any child under 13 years should travel in the back and be secured with an appropriate restraint, whether it’s a booster seat or a car seat.” You should also make sure the car seat is properly installed. Often, a car seat won’t work as it should, even if the child is strapped in, because the seat itself is loose.

Plan your route and rest well

Driving while tired is dangerous. Being well-rested helps reduce the chances of falling asleep at the wheel, which can lead to serious accidents. Phathutshedzo Nedzingahe, an ER24 operational paramedic in Welkom, suggests you get ample rest before and during long-distance travels. “If the distance is very long, have an experienced driver assist you,” she says.

Gregory Clyde Nortje, an ER24 ILS medic in Durban, agrees: “If you’re travelling with a partner, swap drivers every two hours,” he advises. It’s also vital to plan your route. “Plan regular stops, get out of the car to stretch your legs and take time to eat and drink,” he advises.

“Also check weather conditions on the day you’ll be travelling. If it starts raining, reduce your speed even if it means you’ll arrive a bit later at your destination.”

Travelling with children

Dickson-Hall says it’s particularly important to plan if you’ll have kids in the car. Three key points to consider are:

1.      How long is the trip?

2.      How many stops are we going to make?

3.      What route are we taking, and is it the safest option?

“Think about what your child needs in the car. If they're uncomfortable or bored, it can distract you and increase the risk of an accident. Try to think like a child – they might want to avoid the sun in their eyes, stay hydrated, or listen to calming music. Sing to them or find ways to keep them entertained. Try not to give them a laptop, iPad, or a phone, as that could make them carsick.”

ER24 Durban Emergency Care Practitioner Vinny Pillay says he always stocks up on snacks when travelling with his kids. “As a dad of two, I carry extra refreshments and snacks in case we’re stuck in traffic due to an accident or bad weather. It’s also helpful if you have a breakdown."

Check if your car is roadworthy

Having a roadworthy vehicle is mandatory, insists Pillay. “Your car should always be in good condition. At the very least, make sure your tyres, brakes, and battery are in good condition and that your headlights and taillights are working.”

Have an emergency plan

Nortje stresses how important it is to be prepared for an emergency. “You can’t predict when an accident will happen,” he says, “but you can plan with your family what to do if it does. Keep a printed list of emergency numbers and medical or insurance details in the vehicle. If your kids are old enough and have phones, save emergency numbers on their phones and teach them to call for help if you’re unable to.”

In case of a roadside medical emergency, call ER24 on 084 124 for real help, real fast or visit your nearest Mediclinic Emergency Centre