Although South Africa is unlike Switzerland, it still has several mountain passes to challenge motorists. Travelling along a mountain pass may be exciting and breathtaking, but you still need some experience to negotiate it. During your journey, you’ll likely face tight corners, steep hills, and rocks. Even more demanding will be to drive along gravel roads in bad weather. So, buckle up and get ready to learn more about road safety tips for mountain passes.1
Have you prepared for your trip?
Most importantly, provide family or friends with your travel plan. Find out everything about the road conditions and prevailing local weather. You’ll need to know what to do if you encounter veld fires, snow, sleet, and fog. Check the conditions and approachability of a particular pass. It may be so narrow and steep that it’ll be impossible to tow a trailer or caravan. Take wide corners on smooth road surfaces to avoid getting stuck, and look out for signs informing you, for example, of the danger of rock falls. 1,2
Driving in the mountains
Beware of altitude sickness caused by dehydration and less oxygen being available at high altitudes. You may become less alert and experience nausea and a headache, and so take along lots of drinking water or juice. Eat small meals at short intervals. Driving along mountain roads can be most tiresome, so preferably have frequent breaks over a short distance. Never drink alcohol and lessen salt intake. 1,2
Can your vehicle manage the pass?
Driving steeply uphill and downhill can test your car’s engine and brakes to their limits. The engine will likely overheat. Also, inspect the condition of your car’s windscreen wipers, brakes, heater, defroster, and headlights. Finally, check all transmission fluids, including brake fluid. Brake fluid must not be old as ageing lowers its boiling level. In such a case, much braking often could cause the brake fluid to overheat, leading to a loss in braking power. 1,2
Other items to consider
Make sure tyres, including the spare tyre, are correctly inflated and have legal tread. Add solvent to the windscreen washer reservoir to avoid icing. Have enough fuel on board, seeing that you are likely to be far from any fuel station. When the car is climbing, open the windows, and turn off the air conditioner as it draws power from the engine. If you see the engine is starting to overheat, stop for a while to allow it to cool down. Have coolant with you so that you can top up if necessary, and remember to let it cool down before opening the reservoir cap. 1
What about other traffic?
If you want to stop for a breathtaking view, do so only at a designated spot. Apply the handbrake and even place stones behind some wheels if the slope is very steep. You’ll need to travel in first gear and avoid tailgating because the vehicle in front may have to stop suddenly. When overtaking, give yourself extra time, as engines aren’t as powerful at high altitudes. Remember to switch on your lights when approaching a tunnel,1,2
Who has the right of way?
Cars going uphill have the right of way. So, vehicles going downhill on a narrow road should stop and allow a car going uphill to pass. 1
What to do if brakes fail
Start pumping the brake pedal when you notice the brakes are failing. Try and change to a lower gear to slow down the car and avoid using the handbrake if the road is slippery. 1
Disclaimer
This article will show you how to drive safely in mountain passes. 1
Make sure your car insurance policy covers you for off-road travel. If you need more information, we at PMD will be glad to provide you with our world-class client service and tell you more about our affordable car insurance products. They come with unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
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Sources:
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.
