Stay safe this festive break: essential travel health and security hacks

WITH the festive season upon us, the familiar excitement of summer holidays fills the air as many South Africans plan a much-deserved escape from their hometowns.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

MAKE SURE that you are well-rested and fully alert when driving.

(Pexels)

However, the thrill of getting away can sometimes distract from essential medical and safety precautions. As such, travellers are reminded to remain vigilant during this high-risk period, particularly when it comes to road safety, home security and health considerations.

Here are some top health and safety hacks to make sure that you have a sound festival season.

The holiday season is notorious for increased road accidents, making vigilance imperative.

Prioritise rest: Adhere to the “6-hour sleep and 2-hour stop” rule: ensure six hours of sleep the night before a long journey and take a 15-minute break every two hours to combat fatigue.

Check car roadworthiness: Beyond basic checks, ensure that tyres (including the spare) have at least 1 mm of tread, brakes are functioning effectively, and carry essential tools, including a reflective triangle and a flashlight for emergencies.