With the school summer holidays just days away, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) is urging people to think ‘flowery’ and check their vehicles before setting off on a staycation.
Traditionally one of the busiest seasons on our country's roads, it's that time of year when people of all ages are preparing to hit the road for travel outside their local area.
The Safer Roads team is reminding people to carry out basic ‘flowery’ checks before travelling to make sure that they arrive safely and avoid unnecessary breakdowns.
Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP manager, said: “As the summer holidays begin, we are all keen to have a change of scenery and enjoy a relaxing break, hopefully in the sunshine.
“But even if you’re not going very far, checks done on a regular basis will help to keep you safe and your vehicle in good running order - especially if you are using your vehicle for the first time in several weeks.
“Not only will this reduce the chances of unnecessary breakdowns in dangerous spots, it will hopefully reduce the need for expensive repair bills.”
A good way to ensure you have carried out all your checks is using the term FLOWERY – fuel, lights, oil, water, electrics, rubber and you.
“If you’ve covered all the elements of ‘flowery’, then you know you’ve done a comprehensive check,” added Joanne.
“We add ‘you’ at the end because your mental well-being and state of mind are both extremely important when it comes to being safe and alert on the road.
“Planning your journey, with regular stops, is a great way of keeping calm and well on long journeys, especially if it’s a place you haven’t visited before.”
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Joanne added: “We want everyone to enjoy this Summer and we all have a part to play in helping everyone get where they’re going as quickly and as safely as possible.
“Please make sure you’ve done your ‘flowery’ checks and if you’re unsure of anything, take your vehicle to a garage."