As the old adage says, its better to be safe than sorry
It’s hard to believe that it has been two long years since Malaysians were able to travel to their hometowns to celebrate and spend Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming balik kampung journey, Zurich Malaysia wants to remind all motorists to take simple steps to protect themselves and others on the road.
To help motorists prepare their vehicle for the journey, the insurance company has compiled some useful tips to follow before and while on the road as a caring reminder this festive season. The aim is to make the journey home safer and more comfortable.
- Make sure your tyres are in roadworthy condition and adequately inflated. Lack of tread equals less traction. If you have a tyre repair kit, make sure it hasn’t passed its used by date.
- Check your brakes and brake fluid before you balik kampung. If you hear grinding, growling or squealing when braking, or notice a difference in braking performance, have them checked at the nearest petrol station or workshop.
- Ensure your headlights, rear lights and brake lights are working, and the headlights are properly aligned for maximum visibility when driving at night.
- Adhere to posted speed limits to avoid potential accidents or even getting a ticket.
- Do not tailgate the vehicle in front of you. Following too closely reduces reaction time and increases risks of accidents which can cause damage and even injury.
- Use your indicators for at least three seconds before making a move. Do not use hazard lights in the rain unless your car is stalled. Hazard lights indicate a stopped vehicle. Hence, it can be misleading and dangerous when your car is moving.
- Texting or getting a non-handsfree call delays reaction time by up to 50%. No call or message is worth endangering your life or those around you.
- Getting home on time is not an emergency. Do not hog the emergency lane to skip traffic. It should be clear for people who genuinely need to stop, or for emergency purpose.
- Check your policy’s coverage before every renewal to keep it updated. You might want to include additional driver’s name or coverage, such as for special perils. It would be even better to have a life insurance or takaful plan.
- Have emergency items such as road flare/emergency triangle, jumper cables, fire extinguisher and tyre repair kit handy in your vehicle.
Road safety is more than just driving safely. It is how each life on the road is precious. More importantly, it is about how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Zurich Malaysia hopes all Malaysians will have a safe Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year and are prepared to create a brighter future.
