Motorists tipped on road safety during festive season

With the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) stepping up its efforts to ensure road safety during the festive season, Southern Cross Motors has tipped motorists to invest in genuine parts and road worthiness of their vehicles. This is because the festive season is usually characterized by commuting to various events, with a noticeable increase in social outings and visits to friends and relatives.

Speaking in Lusaka to mark Road Safety Week, Assistant Sales Manager at Southern Cross Carolyn Mushabati says motorists may be aware of the dangers of drunk driving and use of cellphones while driving but a common oversight is the road worthiness of vehicles, especially towards the end of year.

“We welcome stiffer punishment for offenders on the roads as there has been significant education of motorists on the impact of drunk driving or use of cellphones on the road. However,  motorists can go further by helping to improve the safety of our roads this festive season by ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy,” she says.

Mushabati adds that because of wear and tear during the year, motorists are advised to check critical aspects of their vehicles including brakes, wipers, headlights, brake lights and wheel alignment.

She notes that while motorists have the responsibility to ensure that they comply with guidelines for safe road use, neglecting essential factors in motor vehicle worthiness can cause avoidable accidents and damage to vehicles.

“As a dealership, we are fully behind the Road Safety Week as it underlines the importance of responsible use of roads by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Increased checkpoints by partners such as Road Traffic and Safety Agency are welcome. However, it is the responsibility of motorists to make sure that every time they get on the road, their vehicles are in good condition so as not to put their lives and those of other road users at risk,” Mushabati adds.

She added that Southern Cross Motors is supporting Road Safety Week through a range of tips and services for its customers in ensuring that their vehicles are in good condition for the road.

“Our own support for Road Safety Week is through sensitizing our customers on how they can ensure that their vehicles are not a danger to themselves and other road users. For instance, we have ensured that our parts department is fully stocked with genuine replacement parts for vehicles,” she says.

“Investment in genuine replacement parts is another responsibility that motorists can adopt. Motorists can drive with a peace of mind, fully aware that they have genuine parts that add to the road worthiness of their vehicles and safety of road users.”

Mushabati noted that during this period, Southern Cross has stepped up its diagnostic services for customers to ensure that critical aspects of their vehicles are in good condition. These include lights, suspension, engine and electrical aspects motor vehicles.

From 1 November to 31 January, the company is offering customers up to 50 percent discount on selected replacement parts while offering 20 percent off on replacements such as brake pads, wiper blades, shock absorbers and electricals. It is offering a further 10 percent off on vehicles that are more than five years old.

Southern Cross Motors is the only authorized distributor of Mercedes Benz, Chrysler/Jeep, Mitsubishi Vehicles, Fuso Trucks, Freightliner, Fiat and GWM Vehicles in Zambia.