In a fast-paced world where our cars are a vital part of our daily lives, Imperial Auto has some sensible suggestions to make motoring safer

As an experienced supplier of a comprehensive range of automotive solutions, Imperial Auto knows better than most how safety and security are major concerns for motorists travelling on South African roads. So, the team at Imperial Auto has compiled these travel tips to help keep all drivers safe when alone behind the wheel:

• Plan your route in advance. Knowing where you’re going will not only ensure you don’t get lost, but will cut down on travelling time.

• Always let someone know when you are departing and give them an estimated time of arrival. Make sure to include all the details of your trip, including any stops you plan to make along the way.

• Check your vehicle’s basic safety features before departing. Make sure your headlights and hazard lights are working properly and that your tyres are in good condition.

• Ensure you have enough fuel to get you to your destination.

• Take note of landmarks and always be aware of your surroundings. This will make it easier for you to explain to someone where you are, should you get lost.

• Avoid driving on unmarked routes and back roads at night.

• At intersections, keep a safe distance between your car and the car ahead of you, so that you can easily pull away in a hurry, and check your blind spots for potential hijackers.

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times and make sure the windows are not open all the way down, especially when you approach intersections.

• Do not offer rides to hitchhikers.

• Do not text and drive. Obviously, this will distract you from driving and is likely to cause an accident, but being unaware of what is happening around you also means that you may not notice possible smash-and-grabbers or other threats approaching your car.

• Do not leave your handbag or any other valuable items, such as laptops, on the passenger seat; rather put them in the boot. Leaving them in view of passersby makes you an attractive target for smash-and-grabs.

• Make sure your cellphone is charged before you leave home, and buy a car charger to keep it that way.

• Have two or three friends’ or close family members’ numbers on speed dial, so you won’t have any difficulty contacting them in case of an accident or emergency situation.

• Lastly, do not assume any unmarked vehicle with flashing lights is a police car. If you are not sure and a suspicious- looking ‘police vehicle’ tries to pull you over, keep on driving with your hazards on until you can pull over in a well-lit area, such as a petrol station or the closest police station.

Imperial Auto makes motoring easy

Freshly rebranded, Imperial Auto is still geared to moving people, businesses and products forward through innovation, inspiration and foresight. The company’s varied offerings include new and used vehicle sales; parts and service; financing; insurance; and the manufacture and sale of caravans, trailers, truck bodies and canopies.

With more than 100 dealerships across leading motoring brands, Imperial Auto’s network is run by entrepreneurs who are passionate about motoring and committed to offering the best customer service. Established in 1947, Imperial Auto is a division of the JSE-listed Imperial Group, which employs more than 51 000 people worldwide.

For more information, visit www.imperialauto.co.za.

Photography Gallo/Gettyimages, istock