TRAvELLING TIpS

TRAVELLING TIPS pLANNING YOuR TRIp

Before the motorist goes on the road and especially if you are going on a long journey or holiday, there are certain things to keep in mind about road safety and items to check.

The following useful hints have been provided by the Automobile Association (AA) and Volkswagen: • The first priority before any trip is undertaken is to check vehicle safety. All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.

Motorists unsure or concerned about the roadworthiness of their vehicles can have a pre-holiday technical examination done at any

AA Technical Centre throughout

South Africa - with the examination undertaken at a nominal fee. • Motorists are advised to always carry a spare fan belt and radiator hose in the boot, even if the vehicle has been given a clean bill in a technical inspection. These could save time and money in the event of a breakdown and it’s also advisable to carry a spare ignition key. • It’s also advisable before leaving on a long journey to check insurance policies. Motor vehicles, householder, house owner and life assurance policies should be in order. • Newspaper deliveries should be cancelled and provision made for the care of pets. As a further precaution travellers should inform the nearest police station that they will be away from home. • Families travelling an unfamiliar route must plan their journey. The

AA offers members a wide range of

route maps, town plans, brochures and road reports. Individually planned itineraries are available to members on request. It also makes good sense to use major routes and not back roads, even if they cut travelling distance. • The AA administers the SOS system installed by the Department of

Transport on major highways. SOS telephones are spaced at two kilometre intervals and help is only a call away. • While travelling, motorists should ensure their own safety and that of their families and other road users by using seatbelts and maintaining a twosecond following distance. Following distances must be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet. • Fatigue and eye strain can be avoided by making frequent rest stops.

Driver changes at rest stops are also advisable. It’s advisable to include safety breaks every two-hours or 200 kilometres, as this will reduce fatigue levels. • Cars should be locked when unattended, with no valuables inside the vehicle where they can be seen by passers-by. Never leave children or pets in a locked car, the heat builtup in the interior can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can be fatal. • Take a 15-minute break at least every two-hours. • Prevent sun glare and eye fatigue by wearing good quality sunglasses. • Avoid eating heavy foods. • Do not consume any alcohol during your trip. • An overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the fatigue effects. • If you can have another person ride with you so you will have someone to talk to and who can share the driving. • Make sure that you rest when you are not driving. • Avoid driving during your body’s downtime (01h00 – 05h00). • Drive according to the road conditions. • Reduce speed when it’s raining or the road is wet. • Adhere to speed limits. • Use low beam headlights (never drive with parking lights) between sunset and sunrise as well as in overcast or misty weather conditions. • Give yourself a little outside air but make sure that windows are closed enough to prevent entry from the outside. • Turn on your parking lights and turn off other electrical equipment. • After you rest get out of the vehicle and walk for a few minutes to be sure you are completely awake before you begin to drive again. • Don’t leave valuables inside the car where they can be seen by passers-by.

Lock such items in the boot. • Be especially careful when loading or unloading the boot that keys are not locked inside the car.

It’s also important that motorists carry their drivers licence at all times. This is required by legislation.