Safer holidays

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32787, 11 December 1971, Page 16

Safer holidays

Mountains, rivers, roads, and the sea—the places where New Zealanders on holiday abound—may easily become the scenes of tragedy rather than pleasure for those who are careless or foolish. A holiday need not be spoiled by excessive preoccupation with “what “ might happen but too many holidays each summerlead to injuries and deaths which would have been avoided with more care and less dependence on the assumption: “It can’t happen to me”. Something more than a recent warrant of fitness test is required to ensure that a car, caravan, or trailer is ready for hard holiday driving. When planning a holiday all drivers would do well to remember the “ rule of “ three do not attempt to drive more than 300 miles in one day; do not drive for more than three hours without a break; never have more than three drinks before driving. Almost everyone realises a small amount of time and energy spent checking cars, boats, caravans, and holiday equipment before setting out will be amply repaid in extra safety and enjoyment But in a lastminute rush these may be overlooked, even by those with the best of intentions. There is still time for most people in the next two weeks to check boats and lifejackets, test climbing equipment and items such as portable stoves, and overhaul lights, brakes, tyres, and windscreen-wipers on cars. But it should not be forgotten that relatively few accidents, especially on the roads, are caused by mechanical faults. A sensible attitude from drivers and boat users is still the most effective way of ensuring a trouble-free holiday and a safe return. Concern for holiday safety should extend to the security of the home. Thefts and burglaries are increasing in Christchurch and care should be taken to see that a house is securely locked while the owners are away and that deliveries of milk and newspapers are stopped so that the absence of the owners is not “ advertised ”, Pets, too, deserve adequate care while their owners are away. The half-starved animals found by the S.P.C.A. all too often during the holiday period are a shocking commentary on the selfishness of holiday-makers who set out with no thought but their own enjoyment