Planning a well-deserved getaway in December? Taking your family on a road trip? Wherever you’ll be during the holiday season, read Indwe’s tips to stay safe.

Before you leave home:

• Make sure your alarm system is working properly.

• Tell your security company you are going on holiday.

• Ensure that there’s a battery back-up for your alarm in case the power goes off.

• Check that all the windows are closed, the doors are locked and that, if you have them, all your security cameras are working and that you can monitor them remotely.

• Instal day-night sensors or motion detectors outside your home.

• Ask a neighbour to check on your house, to take collect your mail, open and close your curtains, and turn your lights on and off.

• Put some of your inside lights and even your TV or radio on timers, to create the illusion that someone is home.

• Do not post your holiday plans on social media – criminals have access to the Internet too.

• Explain to your house-sitter, domestic worker or gardener that if anyone, such as a plumber, comes by while you’re not there, they can only be let in with your permission.

When you’re on the road:

• Take your car in for safety checks before you set out.

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• If you’re going on a long trip, take regular breaks to avoid getting overtired. Best yet, if there is someone with you, take turns driving.

• When you want to overtake someone, make sure you have a clear view of the oncoming traffic, and only overtake one vehicle at a time.

• Never overtake someone on a solid line and never take a chance with oncoming vehicles, rather wait until you have an open road before overtaking.

• Slow down! When you’re speeding, you have less reaction time in dangerous situations and a bigger chance of getting hurt.

• Pay attention to other drivers – you might follow the road rules, but that doesn’t mean they are.