It’s that time of the year again, with the holiday season in full swing, many South Africans are taking full advantage of the opportunity to explore different parts of the country with their loved ones. This Easter will be no different, with an expected influx of vehicles on the road to various shotlefts.
While a road trip is certainly the best way to explore our beautiful country, it also means that there will be more cars on the road, and a greater risk of accidents. It’s important to do what you can before and during your trip to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers while on the road. Here are a few tips on how to keep your car and family safe on your road trip with some careful checks and clever planning.
1. Do the necessary checks to make before you go.
If you’re going to be driving long distances, then ensure your car is in tiptop condition – especially in unfavourable weather conditions.
Tyre maintenance: Ensure that wheel alignment and balancing have been carried out, that tyres are in a good condition, that the tyre tread is within legal limits and that your tyre pressure is according to the specifications of the manufacturer. Don’t forget to check your spare wheel.
Windscreen and wiper check: Ensure that your windscreen is free of cracks and stone chips, which can influence your visibility. Your front and rear wipers should be in a good working order to clear rain and debris from the glass. Remember to fill up your windscreen wash.
How’s your paperwork? Getting caught with an expired driver’s licence card or licencing disk is a hassle you can do without on your holiday so be sure to adhere to legislation.
2. Check the oil and coolant of your vehicle.
Book that service: To avoid the inconvenience and expense of a mechanical breakdown, it’s a good idea to stick to the service intervals as prescribed by your vehicle manufacturer. Before any long road trip ensure that your car gets a thorough check and is booked in for a service to ensure it’s in good working order to get you to your destination.
Shop around for good prices on car parts and accessories to ensure your car is in good condition when you hit the road.
3. Stock your emergency supply.
It’s important to ensure you have everything you need in case of an emergency on the road. Invest in a first-aid kit to help you deal with road trip headaches like motion sickness and small cuts. A torch, glow-in-the-dark triangles and plenty of water and wet wipes are always handy things to carry with you in the car.
4. Planning your journey.
Deciding beforehand which routes to take and at which spots to rest will make your drive a less stressful experience – especially if you have little ones in the car. Don’t try to cover too much distance in one day – tiredness and lack of concentration often lead to accidents.
When you plan your trip, keep an eye on the news, listen to radio reports or check Twitter (e.g. @TrafficSA or #Traffic) for weather predictions, route updates and traffic alerts. Use apps such as Google Maps to plan your routes and to see where the most congested areas are. Lastly, be sure to share the responsibility of driving so that you can take turns driving long distances.
5. Driving tips for your road trip.
Some things are complete non-negotiables when you’re driving, such as drinking while driving or more specifically driving under the influence of alcohol – the biggest cause of road accidents in South Africa – and texting or talking on your cell phone while driving.
• Always wear a safety belt and make sure all the passengers in the vehicle do too. If boisterous children are distracting you, don’t hesitate to make a stop to calm them down, and be sure to pack lots of snacks and games to keep them entertained. Ensure that any little ones are strapped into a good car seat when travelling and are safe and secure.
• Don’t overload your vehicle. Is it really worth being the camper with the coolest gear if it makes your car top-heavy and unsafe on the road?
• Look out for road hazards and always expect the unexpected. Advance driving instructors will always tell you to think and look as far ahead as possible, anticipating what fellow drivers ̶ and pedestrians ̶ might do next.
• Never disobey the speed limit and keep a safe following distance. Accidents often happen when motorists are overtaking one another, misjudging distances, and timing.
• Be on the lookout for obstructions like potholes or animals, especially in rural areas.
