The 2022 festive season is underway and many South Africans will still be travelling to destinations across Mzansi. Here’s some important information to be aware of before you hit the road!

The Christmas holiday season is upon us and many holidaymakers will be heading out onto South African roads to destinations around the country for rest and relaxation.

More so, traffic volumes on all major routes are also expected to increaseover this period and as a road user, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you do what is necessaryto get you and your family to your destination safely. Busy holiday periods are a notoriously dangerous time to be on the road and every year, hundreds and thousands of lives are lost on our roads. With planning and preparation, you needn’t become a statistic…

To help you prepare for your trip, we have compiled a list of holiday tips for you to consider before you depart, along with the necessary emergency numbers should you need them.

Things to do before leaving for holiday

Make sure your car is in full working order before you depart

Check that your brakes, fluid levels and all your lights and indicators are working properly. This is particularly important for older used cars.Be sure that you have a spare tyre as well as a wheel spanner and car jack in case you need to change a tyre.Check that all your tyres, including the spare, are inflated correctly and have sufficient tread.Be sure that all seat-belts and baby-seats are in working order and the correct size.Have your car serviced if necessary.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan

Ensure the rearview mirrors on your car are properly adjusted.Check the tyre pressure of the trailer/caravan’s tyres.Check that the lights and indicators of the trailer/caravan are working correctly.Ensure the towbar and the towing equipment is secure.

Plan your route beforehand

Be sure you know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Getting lost can be very dangerous, as well as time-consuming. Use the website Google maps (maps.google.co.za), or conventional maps to check and plan your route.Make sure you have the necessary cash available for any toll roads and fuel.Let a friend or loved one know where you are going, what route you are taking and what your estimated time of arrival will be. Also, let your family know when you have arrived at your destination safely.Plan your stops carefully and book accommodation in advance if required. Getting accommodation en route can be difficult during the peak holiday season.Check the weather report before you embark on your journey (www.weathersa.co.za).Take note of potential roadworks along your route and plan accordingly.If you get stopped at a roadblock, Know YourRoadblockRights

Additional important items to have in the car

2-litre bottle of water (for emergency drinking, or to be used for the car if necessary)Hand sanitiserFirst aid kitMotor oilFood (padkos)A fully-charged cell phoneCell phone car chargerTraditional map, or GPS navigation system, or bothEmergency triangle and a flashlight

Get your documents in order

Make sure your driver’s license has not expired and that yourvehicle license disc is still valid.If you have an AA membership, make sure it has been renewed.Check your car insurance policy and be aware of exactly what is covered, what emergency services they provide and what their emergency numbers are.If you are crossing any borders, make sure your passport or other required documents are up to date and that you have them with you.

Things to consider while on the road

General driving rules

KEEP LEFT, PASS RIGHT.Do not overload your vehicle.Don’t drink and drive.Drive with your headlights on, even in the day.Obey the speed limit.Don’t use your cellphone while driving. Always use a hands-free kit or connect you phone via Bluetooth.Avoid distracted driving including eating while driving etc.Every person in the car must be wearing a seatbelt.

Avoid fatigue while driving

Take breaks often or every 200 km.If you are feeling tired, rather find a place to rest and do the trip in multiple phases.The effects of caffeine and other stimulants used to keep you awake are only temporary. People often feel more tired once the initial effects wear off. Use such stimulants carefully, and remember they are not a substitute for quality rest.

Navigation devices and applications

There are many GPS Navigation systems available to keep you on the right track during your trip.Check out www.garmin.co.za or www.tomtom.co.za for a range ofdevices.The cost of one of these navigation devices will generally range from around R1 000 upwards.These navigation systems can also point out places of interest, restaurants along the way and places to rest.If you have a smartphone, download the Trip Advisor app for travel-related information.

Useful South African emergency numbers

The Cars.co.za team wishes you a safe and wonderful festive season. Please drive safely and take care on the roads. See you in 2023!