As an e-mobility company with over 18,000 champions (riders), MAX has recorded fewer than 3% of accidents. In a recent feedback session with some of our champions, no one in the focus group had had an accident.
Pivotal to the low rate of accidents among our champions is the road safety and defensive driving training we make mandatory for all our champions. In view of this, we thought to share exhaustive tips that would keep you safe on those roads.
- Keep 100% of your attention when driving at all times. Driving is serious business and requires undivided attention. Most accidents happen in split seconds and are usually avoidable.
- Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving. A common cause of road accidents these days is using phones while driving. Should you need to use your phones, simply park your vehicle at a safe spot.
- Avoid over-speeding. Especially on not-so-good roads, ramping up the speed of your vehicle is certainly a bad idea. At high speeds, there is little or no reaction time to effectively avert danger.
- Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you; make it 4 seconds if the weather is bad. Especially in bad weather, it is advisable to leave enough space between the vehicle in front of you to aid with visibility.
- When embarking on a long-distance journey, build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls, or other business. If stop breaks are not scheduled in the overall trip time, drivers might tend to hurry which could result in overspeeding.
- Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion. While driving, materials like plastic bags and other cargo can impede the driver’s vision and also affect the balance of the vehicle. It is best to have them secured.
- Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor while driving. Items that fall to the floor while driving should be left or retrieved at a safe time and not in motion.
- Always drive when sober, avoid drunk driving. Never drive while drunk, and never drink while driving. Alcohol is a depressant and slows your reaction time and cognitive function.
- Never drive when tired. Tired drivers have been recorded causing several accidents. If you are tired, do not drive. Park your vehicle securely and take a nap. Get enough rest ahead of a trip
- Ensure all vehicle occupants wear a seat belt. This will reduce the chance of accidental discharge in the event of an accident.
- Observe and obey road traffic rules always. Traffic rules are the only binding laws on the road. Help other drivers by adhering to traffic rules. Always be on the lookout fo and it r traffic signs also.
- Always carry out a routine vehicle check before use. A routine vehicle check is advised before every trip
- Never play on the road
- Look Left, Then, Right, Then Left Before Crossing the Street. All road users should carefully examine the road before crossing. Pedestrians should use pedestrian crossing/bridges where provided.
- Obey the speed limit
- If a breakdown occurs, turn the hazard lights on and get the vehicle to a safe location. Turning hazard lights on during a breakdown allows other road users to be informed of the situation and react appropriately.
- If the vehicle breaks down on the roadway, turn the hazard lights on, stay belted in the vehicle and wait for professional help.
- Never get out of a vehicle to make a repair on a busy road. Never attempt to fix your vehicle on a busy road. It’s best practice to move it to a safe spot before you attempt to get it fixed. And if the vehicle can not be moved, request a tow vehicle.
- Avoid long trips during the night. This is advised as visibility drastically reduces at night time.
- Do not park vehicles near the curvature. Due to visual foreshortening, vehicles parked at curves are usually not visible or cramp road space for other road users.
- Drive defensively to protect yourself and other road users. Defensive driving puts you in control of driving outcomes. Expect other drivers to make mistakes. Don’t trust anyone but yourself.
- Be especially alert when approaching traffic lights, intersections and level crossings.
- Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so.
It is also important to take eye tests periodically to enable you to take remedial actions if needed. Lastly, be sure to get your vehicle insured as it puts your mind at ease while driving.
