2 December 1998
Motorists planning to go on holiday have been urged to have their cars serviced early and properly by accredited workshops and not to leave it till the last moment to backyard mechanics and fly by nights.
This call has come from both the Motor Industry Federation (MIF) and the organisers of the Arrive Alive road safety campaign, which is now in its third phase. Both have joined forces in reminding motorists that repairs and servicing should be done timeously, and then by outlets prominently displaying a valid MIF Code of Conduct and MIF logo in their reception areas.
"There is much synergy between the Arrive Alive campaign and our Motor Industry Friends campaign. Arrive Alive talks to people. We talk to the people's cars," on MIF spokesman said.
While human error remains the biggest contributing factor to fatal and serious road crashes, vehicle defects can cause disasters on their own or have a compounding effect.
During December 1997, vehicle defects played a contributing role in 7% of the 650 fatal crashes. The most serious vehicle defects were worn tyres (6.8%, faulty brakes (1,8%) and bad or non-functioning lights (0.6%). Others included defective windscreen wipers, windscreen cracks (impaired vision) and worn seat belts.
Overloading, which could render vehicles "defective", was identified as a contributing factor in another 1,8% of all fatal crashes.
"Seven percent may sound little, but considering that 841 people died in those fatal crashes, the lives of more than 60 people could have been saved in just one single month had their vehicles been totally road worthy," said a spokesman for the Department of Transport.
"In the same way, several thousand more people might have escaped the loss of limb, pain and suffering in another 1 894 accidents, in which people were seriously injured last December. That is one reason why we support he MIF campaign."
Another reason for Arrive Alive's support is that the MIF also has a consumer department that solves disputes between the public and MIF members, thereby offering motorists a recourse and protecting their consumer rights.
Motorists are advised to check their tyres' `footprints' for wear and grip for road holding and the sidewalls for scuffs, tears and other damage to help prevent blow-outs, keeping in mind that they will have to travel a fair distance over the holiday. Maintaining correct tyre pressures is crucial.
Headlights and taillights should be in good working order and headlights should be well adjusted for use not only at night, but also in the mist and rain during the day. Brake lights and indicators are also crucial during bad weather conditions.
Motorists are cautioned that windscreen wiper blades turn hard and brittle from exposure to the sun, smearing windscreens and diminishing their vision when driving in the rain. The results can be disastrous and it is best to check wiper blades before departing and replace them if they're worn at a minimal cost.
Windscreen cracks and blemishes can worsen on a long journey and also impair vision, even blind the driver at night when approached by another vehicle. These screens should be repaired before holiday makers depart on their journeys.
Seatbelts are indispensable safety aids and can make the difference between an injury and a fatality in a collision. Ensure they are in a good condition and worn at all times. Frayed edges indicate a weak spot. Seatbelts should be replaced after a crash, if they were worn during the crash.
Motorists are also reminded that loose suspension components and bad shock absorbers can affect handling and driver control. Oil leaks can lead to hazardous oil spills for others.
For replacement and repairs, members of the MIF can be found in all sectors of the motor body industry. They include from car and motor cycle dealers, service stations, tyre dealers and retreaders to general and specialist repair establishments, fitment centres and motor body repairs shops.
"They all comply with stringent MIF membership qualifications and motorists can therefore be assured these dealers are equipped and their staff is properly trained to provide them with the products and service they need," the MIF spokesman concluded.
Motorists are invited to cal the MIF's consumer department (Highveld Division) (011) 886 6300 for more information on dealers/members offering free vehicle checks in the Highveld.
Issued on behalf of: Department of Transport Contact: Marleen Ronald Telephone: (012) 309 3666
Issued by: Sasani Communications Contact: Desiree Pooe Telephone: (011) 784 2598 E-mail: desiree@msomi.co.za