Given South Africa’s unpredictable weather climate, roadworks and negligent drivers, it is easy for one’s driving system to become disrupted. However, as the driver, it is up to you to maintain cautiousness through the entire road trip – whether it’s just around the corner to a local shop or not.
Challenging road conditions can result in chain-reaction crashes on the road. That is why it is important to adjust your driving to the road conditions and environment encountered.
CarZar has put together 7 Road Conditions to Keep Caution of:
Road Traffic Rules
It is important to keep an eye out on road traffic signs and follow the rules of the road.
Road Trip Environment
- When planning a road trip, always ensure that you do not get stranded without fuel – find out fuel station spots.
- Rest along the way. If travelling with kids, let them know beforehand when you will be stopping before they get restless and cause a disruptive driving environment.
- If your child gets motion sickness, stop for fresh air or treat them with medication.
- Keep a GPS or Road Map with you – in the case of a few roundabouts.
- Watch out for negligent and reckless drivers.
Vehicle Health
- By law, every vehicle needs to be in roadworthy condition – examine your lights, indicators, shock absorbers, steering, brakes, tyres and exhaust system.
- Make sure that your vehicle is not overloaded.
Defensive Driver Behaviour
- Watch out for the risk takers. Drive with your headlights on!
- Follow the indicated speed limit and overtake when clear to do so.
- Take extra caution when at hijacking and smash-and-grab hotspots – keep your valuables in the boot.
Weather Conditions
- If raining, turn on your wipers and headlights.
- Maintain a safe following distance and reduce speed – especially when encountering fog; in which case you should also turn on your fog lamps.
- In weather conditions that may muddle visibility, use the painted road markings as road guide while driving.
Road User Safety
- Watch out for pedestrians and school children, and resist retaliation against jaywalkers.
- Stay clear of dangerous drivers.
- Bikers should wear protective clothing and driver with the bike lights on.
Road Traffic Accidents
- If you’re on a highway, pull up over on the next off-ramp, keep calm and call the relevant emergency assistance.
- Ensure that you keep a road safety kit, torch, warning triangle and fire extinguisher, in the case of a breakdown.
- If in an accident, keep calm, acquire the relevant contact and vehicle details, contact the police immediately to file an accident report and get the case number for your vehicle insurance claims, take photographs of the event and determine whether you or the other requires medical attention.
CarZar stresses the importance of road safety by increasing its awareness. With recorded stats in high mortality rates becoming prominent during the South African festive season, value your road safety and adjust your driving according to the festive season’s driving conditions.
CarZar wishes you a safe festive season on the roads.
