Fatigue and drunk drivers - Here's how to stay safe during the manic festive season

It's that time of year when people are making their way to destinations all over the country and roads can become packed.

Yet, the roads could be more dangerous at this time of year and and present some additional challenges.

Here are a few helpful tips to consider while being on the road these holidays from MasterDrive SA:

1. Fatigue

Squashing a quick holiday into a three to four-day weekend, can be physically taxing. The managing director of Masterdrive, Eugene Herbert, explains: "Preparing, driving and time spent enjoying oneself can actually cause more fatigue than perhaps a 'staycation' would.

"As a driver, ensure you have a number of other competent people to share the driving duties with you and keep an extra eye on the road.

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"You also need to be extra cautious of other drivers who may have fallen asleep at the wheel or are driving erratically because of a demanding weekend.

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"If another driver starts wandering into your lane try to get their attention while immediately determining your escape route should this not help. Additionally, moving into the oncoming lane is not a safe escape route, you should rather slow down and move off the road all together."

2. Drunk driving 

Public holidays are also synonymous with overindulgence, especially when drinking. Herbert said: "Once again you need to be fully aware of your surroundings and be able to spot any evidence of drunk driving.

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Look for suspicious driving such as weaving across the road, hogging lanes, overdoing basic manoeuvres like taking wide turns and someone going too slowly or too fast. If it is safe to use your Bluetooth or if there is another person in the car, alert the authorities."

3. High risk periods

There are certain times of the day during which driving is riskier.

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"Avoid driving at night when drunk drivers and those evading the law are out-and-about. Also avoid peak traffic hours and times. For example, if you can leave before the weekend officially begins, traffic can be much less," Herbert says.

If you will be taking on the roads this festive season, ensure you are ready for the extra challenges. Stay alert and be ready to take evasive action where necessary.