Safety tips for your next roadtrip
Summer is the best time to get away on a South African road trip to remember. It’s also a time when accidents increase on our roads due to extra traffic.
Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid mishaps while traveling if you follow a few basic road safety tips (and some you may not have thought of yet). Keep reading to discover how a little planning can save you a lot of stress on the road.
Plan Every Detail
Planning your ultimate road trip well in advance is the best way to arrive at your destination safe and sound.
In some parts of the country, you’ll face long stretches of road between major destinations which can prove boring and uneventful at times. By planning your route carefully, you can avoid the urge to speed through these beautiful, yet seemingly endless stretches and keep your mind on the road.
Get hold of a route map or go online to search for pit stops along the way. There are many hidden gems awaiting discovery scattered across South Africa.
Make a note of fuel stations, picnic areas, scenic lookout points, and accommodation options along the way. That way you can drive from point to point without spending hour after hour behind the wheel.
Be sure to make a note of any roadworks that might hamper your progress, too.
Frequent rest stops are the best way to avoid driver fatigue, avoid accidents, and make the most of your road trip. Make sure you keep your vehicle’s fuel tank topped up at all times, you never know when you might come across a lengthy detour or other fuel-sapping delay.
Book your accommodation well in advance, rooms fill up quickly during peak holiday season, especially on major tourist routes. Do not wing it – it’s not as much fun as you think driving around a strange town looking for accommodation and you’re bound to end up paying more.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Shipshape
It’s essential to make sure your vehicle is in good repair before you set off for unknown lands. Mechanical failure will put a damper on your trip, destroy your holiday budget, and place you at unnecessary risk.
It makes sense to keep a stash of emergency supplies in the event of a breakdown. Stock up your first aid kit, make sure you have all the necessary tools to cope with small vehicle issues, and check your spare tyre is in good repair.
Water and snacks are essential if you end up waiting for help in a remote area.
When you hire a car from first car rental Sandton, or any of their 51 branches nationwide, you can rest assured you’re driving a well-maintained, safe vehicle, with Emergency Roadside Assistance as a backup.
Save a list of emergency phone numbers and important contact details (like your accommodation provider) on your phone and invest in a car charger for your device. Always make sure somebody knows where you’re going and check in with them every night.
Drive Like a Good Citizen
Accidents don’t only happen to bad drivers. When you’re on the road, you’ve got to pay attention to the other road users, too.
Check your rear-view mirrors frequently, buckle up everyone in the car, and stay focused on driving – turn your phone off and save your battery for emergencies. It’s easy for a phone call or constant message alerts to distract you from the task at hand.
Avoid speeding, it’s dangerous and stressful. Rather, relax, drive carefully, and admire the views appearing over the horizon.
Travelling at speed only increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption, too.
Avoid Surprises
Rural scenes and free-roaming wildlife are one of the highlights of a road trip in South Africa. Yet unexpected animal crossings can cause accidents, especially at night.
Always keep a lookout for animals on the side of the road and drive slower in bushy terrain. If you don’t have your wits about you, they may cross into your path without warning.
Take note of any animal crossing signs, these are usually placed in areas where animals cross frequently.
Pay attention to speed limit signs too, these parameters are there for a reason. Practice patience if you come across a tractor or other slow-moving vehicles and stay well back from vehicles transporting animals.
Remember, you’re the visitor in these areas, so be polite and prepare for unexpected surprises.
Driving at night is fraught with risks, so plan to do most of your traveling during the day. It’s more difficult to keep tabs on your surroundings in the dark. You’d far rather spend your evenings around the braai or gazing at the stars anyway.
Choose the Right Car
Your usual run-around is great for the school run or grocery shopping, but do you really want to travel in it for hours, fully loaded with the whole family and their luggage?
A larger car will ensure everyone, and everything has its place, limiting distractions, ensuring comfort for all, and reducing the inevitable ‘are we there yet?’ chorus. Distractions and irritations are a recipe for disaster.
If you want to explore roads less travelled, consider renting a car for your road trip. A 4×4 is the ultimate solution, and a hybrid car will help you cut down on fuel costs and carbon emissions. It will also give you piece of mind that your vehicle is well serviced and in tip top shape.
Get on the Road Again
A road trip might seem out of the question with fuel prices what they are, but you don’t need to travel miles away from home to have an enjoyable time.
Our country abounds with opportunities to expand your horizons, browse our blog for all the best road trip ideas and road safety tips and go here for all your car hire needs.
