Alan Jones’ Christmas safety wish list

Alan Jones is passing his time these days as a ‘Lexus Ambassador’. Reminding us of this fact he, or more like Lexus marketing department, has published a checklist of things motorists should keep an eye on as we enter a busy festive season on our roads.

As you would expect, much of the list is common sense. But, as you’ll also be aware, it’s pretty easy to find road users lacking common sense at any time of year, much less when it is busier and more stressful that normal.

Keeping your car in tip top condition is AJ’s top tip. “Vehicle maintenance should be at the top of everyone’s holiday lists but it is easily forgotten, especially when we start getting busy towards Christmas,” Alan said.

“The stuff I see on the roads everyday scares me to be honest, and people really need to think hard about their own safety, as well as the safety of their fellow motorists.”

Use this list (available in full after the break) as a reminder of the basic things we should all do before heading off on a long drive. Make sure you have the right attitude, be mindful of other road users and stay safe.

 

Stay safe this Christmas with AJ

Things get pretty dangerous on the roads at Christmas, with everyone racing around to finalise their plans and head off on holidays.

1980 Formula One world champion and Lexus Ambassador Alan Jones knows the importance of maintaining your vehicle for the best safety and performance, especially at this time of year.

“Vehicle maintenance should be at the top of everyone’s holiday lists but it is easily forgotten, especially when we start getting busy towards Christmas,” Alan said.

“The stuff I see on the roads everyday scares me to be honest, and people really need to think hard about their own safety, as well as the safety of their fellow motorists.”

With this in mind, Alan has put together his top tips for staying safe on the roads this Christmas.

1. The single most important preparation you can make for a trip is to be well rested. Far too often we rush around preparing for a road trip, only to set off after a few hours’ sleep. Prepare in advance, and be sure to get a good night’s rest. Fatigue is a major killer on our roads, so rest up, make plenty of stops and get to your destination safely – it might take a little longer, but you’ll be in one piece.

2. Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified technician before departing to ensure that it is in top condition. Check tyre pressures by referring to the manufacturer’s tyre placard. Ensure that the pressures are set to the correct driving condition – either highway or suburban. Also check that all fluid levels (oil, water, washer) are okay, and top them up as required.

3. Make sure the car is clean! Dirty vehicles are harder to see, and dirty windows are a vision hazard – like wearing frosted glasses. Give the car a bath and make sure you wash head and taillights so you can be seen.

4. When packing your car, be sure there is no luggage that can come loose and become a potential danger in an accident – everything needs to be in the boot, or securely behind a cargo barrier. Also ensure all heavy items are packed as low and far forward as possible to reduce the chance of load shift.

5. If you’re taking your pets, you need to have them securely fastened – both for your safety and theirs. It is now illegal to travel with an unrestrained animal, so put them in a pet cage or strap them into a seatbelt point with a harness.

6. With the extra people and luggage on board, the car will respond differently – braking will take longer, acceleration will be dulled and steering will be less sharp. Take care, and learn how your vehicle is behaving as quickly as possible.

7. Most of all, enjoy the trip! We’re the lucky country, so ensure that while your passengers enjoy the scenery, you stop, revive, survive and have fun!

All of us at Lexus would like to wish you a very merry festive season and a happy new year. Take care on the roads, and drive safely!