Holiday Driving: What you need to know
The summer holidays are a great time to relax, and with South Africa having some of the best holiday destinations in the world, it is no surprise that many people jump in their cars and hit the road during this period. The roads tend to get quite busy as a result, and a successful trip will require some planning. Here is a quick checklist to help you prepare:
1. Things to do before leaving for holiday
Make sure your car is in full working order
- Check that your brakes, fluid levels and all your lights and indicators are working properly. This is particularly important in pre-owned cars
- Be sure that you have a spare tyre.
- Check that all your tyres, including the spare, are inflated to the proper level and have sufficient tread.
- Be sure that all seat-belts and baby-seats are in working order and the correct size.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan
- Ensure the rear view mirrors on your car are properly adjusted.
- Check the tyre pressure of the trailer/caravan’s tyres.
- Check that the lights and indicators of the trailer/caravan are working correctly.
- Ensure the towbar and the towing equipment is secure.
Plan the route before hand
- Be sure you know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Getting lost can be very dangerous, as well as time consuming. Use the website Google maps (maps.google.co.za), or conventional maps to check the route.
- Make sure you have the necessary funds for any toll roads and petrol.
- Let a friend or loved one know where you are going and what route you are taking.
- Plan your stops carefully and book accommodation in advance if required. Getting accommodation en route can be difficult in this busy season.
- Check the weather for your trip (www.weathersa.co.za).
Additional important items to have in the car
- 2 litre bottle of water (for emergency drinking, or to be used for the car if necessary)
- First aid kit
- Motor oil
- Food (padkos!)
- A fully charged cell phone
- Cell phone car-charger
- Traditional map, or GPS navigation system, or both!
- The car jack and wheel wrench
- Emergency triangle and a flash light
Get your documents in order
- Make sure your driver’s license has not expired and your vehicle has the necessary license disc.
- If you have an AA membership, make sure it has been renewed.
- Check your car insurance policy and be aware of exactly what is covered, what emergency services they provide and what their emergency numbers are.
- If you are crossing any borders, make sure your passport or other required documents are up to date and that you have them with you.
2. Things to consider while on the road
General driving rules
- Do not overload your car!
- Don’t drink and drive
- Drive with your headlights on
- Keep to the speed limit
- Always use a hands-free kit with your phone when driving
- Every person in the car should be wearing a seatbelt
Avoid fatigue while driving
- Take breaks often
- If you are feeling tired, rather find a place to rest and do the trip in multiple phases
- The effects of caffeine and other stimulants used to keep you awake are only temporary. People often feel more tired once the initial effects wear off. Use such stimulants carefully, and remember they are not a substitute for quality rest.
Navigation devices and applications
- There are many GPS Navigation systems available to keep you on the right track during your trip
- Check out www.garmin.co.za or www.tomtom.co.za for a range of their devices
- The cost of one of these navigation devices will generally range from around R1000 upwards
- These navigation systems can also point out places of interest, restaurants along the way and places to stay over
- If you have a smart phone pick up the app Trip Advisor which also works in a similar way (www.tripadvisor.com)
3. Major toll road costs in South Africa
- Johannesburg to Cape Town = R119 (Class 1 vehicle)
- Johannesburg to Durban = R164 (Class 1 vehicle)
- Durban to Cape Town = R54 (Class 1 vehicle)
4. Useful South African emergency numbers
| The police | 10111 | | Netcare | 011 883 3801 | | The AA | 083 843 22 | | National 24-hour emergency | 084 124 | | Rescue | 10177 |
Please drive safely and take care on the roads this holiday season. Enjoy the time off, if you have any, and we will see you next year.
~ A message from the Cars.co.za team.
|
Cars
