Expert shares road safety tips for Easter weekend
Motorists are urged to take the necessary precautions during the long-awaited weekend before heading out on their Easter road trips.
With the Easter holidays just days away, many South African families will be gearing up for memorable road trips and exciting long weekend adventures.
To help ensure a safe, enjoyable and worry-free journey, Castrol South Africa has teamed up with the general manager of Shelby SA, Paige Lindenberg, to offer some practical road safety advice.
According to Lindenberg, safety on the road is not about luck but about preparation.
“I’ve learned on the racetrack how critical even the smallest vehicle fault can be. So, looking after your family safety, needs to start long before your engine does,” she says.
She offers the following five often-overlooked vehicle checks that every driver should do before embarking on their Easter journey:
Check your tyres thoroughly
Lindenberg emphasised the importance of tyres which provide a crucial connection between vehicles and the road.
She advises inspecting tyres carefully for sufficient tread and looking for any damage, including cuts or bubbling.
“Tyre health is not just about avoiding blowouts, it also plays a big part in being able to stop quickly in an emergency,” she says.
Have a spare wheel
She drew attention to this crucial but frequently neglected backup.
“Drivers are urged to ensure their spare tyre is in good condition and properly inflated.”
Lindenberg explains that a flat tyre should be a minor inconvenience, not a crisis.
“Check your spare regularly for condition and correct inflation, and make sure you have all the necessary tools, such as a jack, wheel spanner, the right lock-nut remover and warning triangles,” she recommends.
Get your battery tested before heading out
According to Lindenberg, battery failure is one of the common setbacks during road trips.
She encourages drivers to prevent this inconvenience with a simple battery check.
“Having your battery professionally tested before your journey can prevent an unexpected breakdown.”
Ensure the car has enough oil, water, and coolant
“Regular vehicle maintenance is key to a smooth road trip and motorists should schedule a full vehicle service before any trip.”
She encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s oil and water levels as those are other important factors to consider if you can’t manage regular vehicle services.
Check out the big screen
She warns motorists that a small chip in the windscreen may seem unimportant, but it can quickly escalate into dangerous cracks during long, high-speed journeys.
“A compromised windscreen isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a real safety hazard,” says Lindenberg.
She explains that windscreen repairs are simple and often covered by insurance, usually at no extra cost.
“Taking this small step can make a big difference in keeping you safe behind the wheel,” she adds.
She emphasises that preparation brings peace of mind.
“While this may not be an exhaustive list of safety tips, doing these basic checks maximises the chances of your holiday adventure not ending up as one unexpected camp-out on the side of a national highway.”
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