HITTING THE HIGHWAYS
THIS FESTIVE SEASON?

South Africans love a good road trip, especially over the festive season. The result is that our highways get congested, our drivers get frustrated and too many accidents happen.

Here are some highway tips to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe this festive season.

Keep your car in good condition – the highway is a bad place to breakdown. Make sure your engine, brakes, tyres, and indicators are all working properly

Pick a date and time, where possible, when the road is likely to be less busy.

Insure yourself and your car – investigate insurance options, and cover yourself and your vehicle.

Before setting off, fuel up and check tyre pressure, oil and water.

Drive safely and follow the rules of the road at all times.

Don’t underestimate your role in the free flow of traffic. If you constantly apply your brakes unnecessarily you will create a concertina effect, which is one of the biggest causes of traffic snarl-ups.

Follow local traffic reports. Waze is a very good APP to use.

Enter the highway safely, at the same speed as the flowing traffic. When merging with traffic always check your rear-view mirror and side mirrors, and check your blind spots to ensure it is safe to join.

Always use your indicators to alert other drivers about your intentions.

Stay alert to the rhythm of traffic – make sure you leave enough room to slow down and to stop if the traffic does.

Avoid any distractions – driving on a highway requires your full attention.

Keep a safe following distance. Even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, maintain as safe a distance as possible from the car in front of you.

Time your journey and include time for stops.

Carry an emergency kit.

Keep tabs on the weather forecast.

Drive slowly to avoid sudden breaking.

Maintain a minimum safe distance.

Keep your lights on.

Take a break if the weather worsens.

Carry an emergency kit.

REMEMBER,
HAVING A FUN HOLIDAY MEANS…

  • Staying out of the sun: wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat and stay out of the direct sun between 10am and 3pm.
  • Staying hydrated: drink enough water and monitor your alcohol consumption.
  • Staying safe, on and off the roads.

Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. No matter where the road takes you, may you all stay safe, have fun and enjoy your well-deserved break.

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