The Caribbean's Holiday Madness

A lot more tourists escaping their cold countries to our warm paradisiac islands means increased traffic. Besides increase in cars, everyone seems to be in a rush which leads to aggressive driving behavior making it difficult for everyone on the road, but by practicing safe driving habits we can work together to ensure everyone gets home safely. 

Lets all join forces in making this year a festive and secure one for us Caribbean folks. It doesn’t take much effort - just remember these tips next time you hit the road during these festive days.

Plan your route

There are several steps you can take to plan your route in advance and avoid getting lost or stuck in traffic. This will help you avoid rushing and potentially making unsafe decisions on the road. 

• Use a map or navigation app to plan your route in advance.

• Check the weather forecast beforehand. This will help you avoid those routes that always get affected by bad weather. 

• Leave at a time when traffic is lighter. In general, early morning or late evening are the best times to travel, as there are fewer cars on the road. 

• If you have to travel during peak times, consider using alternative routes or public transportation to avoid congestion. 

Inspect your vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before heading out to prevent unwanted situations. Many of us use vehicles to get to work and back home, we advice you to create a checklist on your phone and make it a habit to inspect your vehicle every Sunday before your week starts.  

These are the things you should be inspecting:

• Your car needs properly inflated tires and sufficient tread depth for safe driving, as they help your vehicle grip the road and respond to steering and braking inputs. 

• Check the fluid levels, including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Low fluid levels can cause serious damage to your vehicle, so it is important to make sure they are at the correct levels before driving. 

• Test the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights to make sure they are all working properly. This will help you see and be seen by other drivers, and it is also required by law in most Caribbean islands. 

• Check the brakes for wear and make sure they are responding properly. If your brakes are making strange noises or not working as well as they should, you should have them checked  by a mechanic before driving. 

• Make sure you have enough fuel for your trip. Running out of gas can be dangerous and inconvenient, so it’s important to check your fuel level before setting out on a long journey. 

Drive safe 

Common mistakes people make on the road are spinning, failing to yield the right way, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We all have to follow the rules we learn to obtain our drivers license. 

The things you should avoid are: 

• Following other vehicles too close is dangerous because it reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to unexpected situations. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a distance of at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

• Avoid speeding, it is important to pay attention to the posted speed limit and to adjust your speed accordingly.

• Stop weaving in and out of lanes. Instead of constantly switching lanes to try and gain an advantage or avoid traffic, try to stay in one lane and maintain a steady speed. This can help to reduce the potential for accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.

• Make sure to use your signals to let other drivers know your intentions. This will give them time to react and adjust their speed or position on the road, which can help to avoid collisions. Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to make sure it is safe to change lanes before doing so.

Eyes on the road

Maintaining your eyes on the road while driving is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it helps you to see potential hazards or obstacles in the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in your path, allowing you to react quickly and avoid collisions or accidents. 

This means putting away your phone and other electronic devices, not eating, drinking, or engaging in other activities that could take your attention away from the road. So, to stay safe and maintain your eyes on the road while driving to avoid legal troubles.

Remember

Plan your routes, inspect your vehicles, drive safely, and eyes on the road!

Let’s try to make it through the holidays without any serious collisions. We hope these tips will help you do just that.  Like some say, it’s better to lose a minute of your life than your life in a minute. 

So, share these tips with your friends, family, colleagues and loved ones. The more we all know, the better. 

We wish you all happy holidays, stay safe! 

Written by

Alejandra Arboleda

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