Easter weekend is upon us, which means many South Africans will be hitting the roads to see family or go somewhere scenic with their loved ones. While this may be a beautiful time, the country\u2019s roads can become unpredictable. So, taking the necessary precautions to ensure you get there safely is essential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attie Blaauw, Head of Personal Lines Underwriting at Santam, says, \u201cWhile 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 more risk of accidents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blaauw provides four tips below to help you keep your car and family safe on your road trip with careful checks and clever planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n The checks to make before you go<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re going to be driving long distances, ensure your car is in the best possible condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tyre maintenance: Ensure that wheel alignment and balancing have been carried out, that tyres are in good condition, that the tyre tread is within legal limits and that your tyre pressure is according to the manufacturer\u2019s specifications. Don\u2019t forget to check that you do have a spare wheel and that is in a workable condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Check the oil and coolant of your vehicle<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Windscreen and wiper check: Ensure your windscreen is free of cracks and stone chips, which can influence your visibility. Your front and rear wipers should be in good working order to clear rain and debris from the glass. Remember to fill up your windscreen wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Book a service: To avoid the inconvenience and expense of a mechanical breakdown, it\u2019s a good idea to stick to the service intervals as prescribed by your vehicle manufacturer. Ensure that your vehicle has been serviced before embarking on a road trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How\u2019s your paperwork? Getting caught with an expired driver\u2019s licence card or licencing disk is a hassle you can do without on your holiday so adhere to legislation. Before hitting the road ensure that all your paperwork is in order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stock your emergency supply: Invest in a first-aid kit to help you deal with road trip headaches like motion sickness and cuts. A torch, glow-in-the-dark triangles and plenty of water and wet wipes are always handy to carry with you in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Planning your journey<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deciding beforehand which routes to take and at which spots to rest will make your drive a less stressful experience \u2013 especially if you have little ones in the car! Don\u2019t try to cover too much distance in one day \u2013 tiredness and lack of concentration often lead to accidents. When you plan your trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKeep 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShare the responsibility of driving so you can take turns driving long distances,\u201d said Blaauw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Driving tips for your road trip<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some things are non-negotiables when you\u2019re driving, such as drinking and driving or driving under the influence of alcohol \u2013 the biggest cause of road accidents in South Africa \u2013 and texting or talking on your cellphone while driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always wear a safety belt and make sure all the passengers in the vehicle do too. If boisterous children are distracting you, don\u2019t hesitate to stop to calm them down, and pack lots of games to keep them entertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t overload your vehicle. It is not worth being the camper with the coolest gear if it makes your car top-heavy and unsafe on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Look out for road hazards, always expecting the unexpected. Advance driving instructors will always tell you to think and look as far ahead as possible, anticipating what fellow drivers \u2013 and pedestrians \u2013 might do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Never disobey the speed limit and keep a safe following distance: Accidents often happen when cars overtake one another, misjudging distances and timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lookout for obstructions like potholes or animals, especially in rural areas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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