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Five driving resolutions from Tiger Wheel & Tyre

17 Feb 2014

The Department of Transport recently released the official road death toll figures of 1376 fatalities for the period 1 December 2013, to 7 January 2014 - a sobering reminder that the festive season isn't always so festive for everyone. So perhaps it's time we made some road resolutions.

Image: www.freedigitalphotos.net

The pros at Tiger Wheel & Tyre put their heads together and came up with these suggestions to inspire you in making your own 2014 road resolutions:

I will not text and drive: This is the most dangerous distracted driving activity of all. 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 88km/h you will drive more than the length of a football field with your eyes off the road! That's an unacceptable risk. Tiger Wheel & Tyre suggest making "It can wait!" your mantra and if it really can't, pull over to a safe spot before texting.

I will indicate: The fact that indicators are standard and not optional equipment on a vehicle should be a dead giveaway as to their importance. Tiger Wheel & Tyre suggest you start indicating at least 30m 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.

I will check my tyre tread and pressure: 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. So check your tread, or have a professional at Tiger Wheel & Tyre do it for you, to ensure there is always at least 1mm remaining tread around the circumference of the tyre, and while you're at it, check the tyre pressure too. Driving with underinflated tyres can cause them to wear out sooner, costing you money and compromising your safety.

I will exercise tolerance and manners: Take a deep breath when the grandma ahead slows to 20km/h and brakes for no reason, and exhale slowly as that boy racer weaves around you. Flying into a blind rage will only distract you, raise your blood pressure and compromise your decision-making ability. There will always be road hogs and they will always frustrate you. So, to paraphrase the great Mahatma Ghandi, be the change you want to see on the road. Drive courteously, exercise tolerance and show gratitude to other courteous drivers. You may start a trend.

I will stay awake, alert and alive: A moving car is a moving missile, which is to say 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 and when you do drive, to give it your full attention.

Now if you've just discovered that worn tyres and warped wheels are standing in the way of your 2014 road resolutions, get to your nearest tyre store.