Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s road resolutions

With 1 376 fatalities in the official death toll figures released by the Department of Transport, for the period December 1, 2013 to January 7, 2014, Tiger Wheel & Tyre (TWT) is encouraging drivers to be safe on the roads by following some road resolutions it’s put together.

First on the list is the pledge to not text and drive: “The minimum amount of time that your eyes are off the road while texting is 4,6 seconds, so if you’re texting while driving at a speed of 88 km/h you will drive more than the length of a soccer field with your eyes off the road! That’s an unacceptable risk,” says TWT. The company suggests making “It can wait!” your mantra and if it really can’t, pull over to a safe spot before texting.

Second on the list is the pledge to indicate. TWT suggests you start indicating at least 30 metres before turning, to give the driver behind you the chance to slow down. “With so many drivers choosing not to indicate, it’s easy to get sucked into their game. Resist the temptation and set a good example instead. It may become contagious,” says the company.

“Tyres are like the heels on shoes, you usually don’t know they’re wearing down until they’re worn through, but while a worn heel may throw you off balance, a worn out tyre could blow and cost you more than your dignity,” says TWT.

The company suggests you check your tread, or have a professional at TWT do it for you, to ensure there is always at least one millimetre of tread around the circumference of the tyre. “While you’re at it, check the tyre pressure too. Driving with under-inflated tyres can cause them to wear out sooner, costing you money and compromising your safety.”

Fourth on the list, TWT would like drivers to exercise tolerance and good manners on the road. “Flying into a blind rage will distract you, raise your blood pressure and compromise your decision-making ability. There will always be road hogs and they will always frustrate you,” adds the company.

Finally, drivers need to pledge to stay awake, alert and alive. According to TWT a moving car is a moving missile, which means that driving is a huge responsibility. “You don’t want to be responsible for causing an accident any more than you want to be the victim of one. So resolve not to drive when you’re drowsy or under the influence of alcohol. And when you do drive, give it your full attention.”