By: Natasha Archary
Every December thousands of families lose loved ones on the roads, in drowning incidents and freak accidents that could have been avoided. Staying on top of festive season safety can give families peace of mind for an enjoyable holiday minus trips to hospital emergency rooms.
Safety in numbers
The festive period is one of the highest for missing children in the country. It is important to consider going out in groups during the festive period.
Ensure that the people accompanying you are trustworthy and where possible ensure that members of your family are included in the groups to watch over children.
The adage, “never trust anyone with your child” comes to mind, but it is the holidays and parents who are working throughout this period may not be left with any other choice.
Teach them young
Children should be taught “STRANGER DANGER” from a young age. They should never accept any sweets offered nor venture to follow a stranger anywhere, this goes for family as well.
It is distressing to note that in a majority of child abduction cases the perpetrator is someone who is known to the family so be extremely pedantic about who you trust around your children.
Encourage your child to let you know when someone has inappropriately touched them. From as young as three years, this should be the golden rule with children, boys and girls. No exceptions.
Water wise
It isn’t summer unless there’s water fun on the agenda. With 2 000 fatal drownings in South Africa a year, this does however dampen the mood.
Most fatal drowning incidents occur in backyard pools, rivers and the beach, that’s why learning water-safety and being aware of drowning dangers is so important.
Road Safety
The carnage on the roads over the festive season, spikes every year due to reckless and negligent driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. unsafe vehicles, speed, and fatigue.
Last year, Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula noted 34 major crashes, accounting for 223 fatalities over the Christmas and New Year period.
While efforts have been heightened across the country with roadblocks, the following safety tips while driving has been shared.
Some safety driving tips for the holidays include:
- Plan your route
- Sleep well the night before you travel
- Stop and rest
- Have more than one licensed, designated driver (where possible)
- Don’t rush
- Drink lots of water
- Open your windows
- Obey the rules of the road
- Stick to the speed limit
- Wear seatbelts
- Don’t drink & drive
- Don’t be distracted – put your cellphones down
The holidays always bring with it feelings of excitement and so it should, but it can also be a really bleak time when an accident occurs and you lose a loved one. Make sure safety is not overlooked and you can enjoy this much deserved break with your family.
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