Human factor: Biggest reason for crashes

SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - October is transport month in South Africa, which gives a good opportunity for all motorists to reflect on their driving behaviour.

Here's one last chance to consider recent developments on our roads.

According to figures from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), 14 071 people died on the country's roads last year.

This represents the highest annual road death toll since 2007.

According to the statistics, the human factor is indicated as the biggest contributor to road crashes and fatalities, accounting for 77,5% of contributing factors.

The AA poses a vital question: what are we to do about this?

For a start, the association says it's important for conscientious drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working condition.

Mechanical problems occur on mechanical components. For this reason, drivers need to make sure their vehicles are running properly.

Regular servicing of vehicles is critical, as is general maintenance of the interior and exterior.

An often overlooked critical safety item on vehicles is tyres. They are the only thing between you and the road.

So, ensuring their continued good condition is vital. Any tyres that are bald, under- or over-inflated, are dangerous.

The AA reminds us that in terms of Regulation 212 of the National Road Traffic Act, tyres must have at least one millimetre of tread. If it is below that measure, motorists could be fined.

Some tyres have wear indicators in the tread pattern to show when the tread depth is less than 1,6mm.

In these cases, if the tread on the tyre is level with these indicators, the tyre must be replaced as it is considered unroadworthy.

Worn tyres will also have an impact on the ability of the vehicle to stop properly, posing yet another danger to you and other road users.

Another important maintenance routine is to check that your tyres are inflated properly.

Under-inflation can cause tyre bursts. Because under-inflated tyres have more rolling resistance, they will also increase fuel consumption.

Over-inflation reduces the cushioning power of the tyre, making it more susceptible to impact, penetration or abrasion.

Over-inflation also means that there is less contact with the road surface, which has a negative impact on vehicle handling.

Other items such as brakes, windscreen wipers (which can deteriorate in the sun, even if you don't use them), windscreens and lights (headlights, brake lights and reverse lights), need to be checked to ensure they are all working properly.

Apart from checking the vehicle, drivers should also ensure their own attitude is positive before setting out, even if it is a short journey.

The ten "Golden Rules" of driving should always apply. These are: