Preparing for travel
Every now and then we are hearing about how unsafe our country is becoming. Who is responsible? We or the government. Both. If we are going somewhere, say on a long drive we must be prepared beforehand. Our long journey did not start all of a sudden. We plan and then we start getting prepared for the journey. Someone is managing clothes, another person is looking after the vehicle if it is a journey worthy and if kids are also included they are managing their syllabus books or toys. So everyone is preparing, no matter how small the journey may be, everyone is doing his or her job for the journey.
Preparation by the Government
Not only we but the government is also preparing for our safety, which is their daily job. They are patrolling the roads for the safety of the travellers. Looking after every corner of the transporting mode like roads, motorways and other areas of travelling by car. Someone is looking for road maintenance. Someone is looking for a communication system, someone managing medical assistance and someone for vehicle maintenance. But when safety comes then the culprits also come into the scene. They start looking up for the loopholes where they try to fit in and make their attack.
Safety and Security
As far as the safety on the highways is concerned many of us have heard from our elders that security starts from your house. For the sake of this reason, do not disclose when you are going to start travelling. Where exactly you are going. No need to tell everyone. Only the traveller and the recipient may know. It is also recommended that travelling in the daylight is important. Try to reach the destination before sunset. Even today, some of my friends who are pilots in the Air Force say that on daily practice flying they have to land at the base before sunsets.
Tyres
Now car tyre cutting incidents are taking place on the motorways. Get your car tyres checked before the start of the journey. You must also keep track of your car’s tyres. What date and what was the millage note down and keep it handy. Mostly new and good tyres can give you a mileage of about 50,000 km. Always check the spare tyre if it is worth using in case if a tyre gets punctured during travel.
Pray for the journey
The most important thing which should have come at the top but as mentioned, to do all the best than starting the journey is with the prayer seeking Allah’s help during the journey. He be the helper all the way from start to the end. Always keep your wits with you.
Stay Alert
While going on a long drive it is better to be accompanied at least two should be in the vehicle. And both must be in some light conversation like some sharing some story or some jokes, anything. Or even a song or music playing. This will keep the driver awake and alert. Always wear a seat belt and instead of the driver talking on mobile the passenger should use the mobile or now a days in latest model vehicles mobile phones blue tooth system is available so the driver can talk using a hand-free system.
Taking precautions
While driving, keep on looking for the road safety messages and properly follow them. Especially when going to Islamabad and coming back. Driving in the hilly area should be covered with more caution. After all, it is not all that bad. With all the precautions you are safe. Yes, one thing more keep the motorway police helpline phone number readily available on your mobile phone home screen ready to dial in case of emergency. This is also good. Keep in touch with a family member while driving so that if God forbid something goes wrong you can always seek help. Sometimes the signals are not good enough so it is advised to send an SMS. Always be a good to best driver. Have safety on highways. Have a nice day.