Hari Raya Aidilfitri is finally around the corner. Almost every Malaysian road will experience peak traffic flow in the coming days when millions of locals traverse from north to south, east and west, back to their kampungs to enjoy the festivities with their family.
The celebrations notwithstanding, it is also a time when travellers need to be extra cautious while on the road. Sadly, during every festive period, there is a significant spike in road accidents and fatalities.
Some of the main causes of accidents include the unusually heavy volume of traffic which means road users will spend longer hours on the road, resulting in fatigue and stress. To help you arrive safely at your destination with your loved ones, here are some travel tips courtesy of Ford Malaysia:
- Prepare Your Car:
Before you embark upon your balik kampung journey, there are some basic checks you can perform to help get your vehicle ready for a long drive. Before setting out, you can check the oil levels, wiper fluid, and tyre pressure. If you are travelling with children, ensure they are buckled up and use an appropriate child safety seat for their age.
- Plan Your Trip:
Leave plenty of extra time on your trip. Delays are the one thing that you can count on when driving long distances while millions of fellow travellers are doing the same. Building in extra time can help keep you relaxed on the drive, and will allow you to take breaks along the way. Remember, the shortest route isn’t always the fastest route, aim to avoid roads that are prone to congestion during peak hours.
- Pack Smartly:
Make sure you keep a basic first-aid kit in your glove box. Also bring things to entertain yourselves, like music, games, and toys for kids.
- Divide the Labour:
Driving long distances can be tiring, so try to take breaks and share the driving. Some people are good at navigating; others couldn’t read a map if they tried. Know who does what well, and divide up jobs by talent and preference.
- Keep Calm and…:
When frustration rises, remember everyone is just trying to get home to their loved ones. Losing your temper will not help the situation. Take a step back, remember Hari Raya is about forgiveness and reconciliation, and re-evaluate your itinerary and ETA.
Of course, safe driving should not only be practiced during festive seasons. When you are back from the holidays, next month, Ford invites all members of the public to join the ‘Future of Safety with Ford’ tour – a fun, interactive and hands-on experience that aims to promote greater road safety awareness among all Malaysians.
Through the programme, Ford will encourage consumers to drive safely for the sake of their loved ones, and consider technologies that can help them do so. The 45 minute safety tours will be held on August 6-7, every half an hour from 10am, at 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya.
In the meantime, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and we at AF wish you a safe trip home!
