There is something majestic and awe-inspiring about travelling through mountain passes, especially when the views are spectacular. Bold rocks that have been there for centuries are challenging your every move. But despite this beauty, there are certain dangers that a driver must look out for while driving.1
How prepared are you for travelling through mountain passes?1
Passes usually occur in remote parts where conditions like mist, sleet, and veld fires are not what you experience in urban areas. Mountain passes can be so narrow that you cannot go through them towing a caravan or trailer. Inform your family or friends when you are expected to arrive at your destination.
What about road conditions in the mountain pass? 1
Beware of potholes and rockfalls when going through a pass. Roads in remote areas of South Africa may not be of the same standard as urban roads. What is most helpful is to contact a resort or hotel near the pass and find out what the local conditions are like before you leave on your trip. Important to remember is that off-road driving requires a special experience compared to on-road driving.
Driving in the mountains1
Be alert that oxygen levels at high altitudes can be less and could lead to headaches and fatigue. In addition, altitude sickness can be due to a lack of hydration, so drink more water and juices than usual.
Can your car make it? 1
Can your car manage the steep inclines and downhills? The engine will strain going uphill, but the brakes take a severe knock going downhill. Your car should be serviced regularly to ensure all car components are working correctly. Finally, and most importantly, check the tyre tread to ensure that the tread depth is still legal. Smooth tyres can be hazardous, especially in wet weather. Please turn off your air conditioner when going uphill as it takes power away from the engine if your car is struggling to maintain the necessary speed up a steep hill.
Think of other motorists, people and animals1
When you pull off the road to enjoy the view, do so only at an allocated spot away that’s the necessary distance from the road. Always put a parked car in first gear after pulling up the hand brake. Placing stones behind the back wheels of your vehicle is additional security when parked on a steep incline. In remote areas of South Africa, you may encounter people living close to the main road, goats and cattle, and wild animals such as buck or baboons.
Are you obeying road rules? 1
Look out for road signs such as those displaying speed limits and when approaching a steep incline. When it rains, reduce your speed, but the slower better, especially on a mountain pass.
How to go uphill and downhill1
When ascending, gear down to allow your revs to stay high so that you don’t overstrain the motor or stall it. The engine will have to work that much harder if the car is towing a trailer. When going downhill, use low gears to let the engine slow down the vehicle instead of the brakes.
Travelling on poor roads going through mountain passes increases the risk of crashing. So, you need to make sure your car insurance covers those types of conditions. Find out more about affordable car insurance cover with unique benefits that include fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess* with PMD. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.arrivealive.mobi/safe-driving-in-the-mountains-mountain-passes
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
