Get road trip ready

The Automobile Association (AA) urges motorists to not only plan for their destination, but also make allowance for variables en route.

Weather patterns across the country change from province to province and severe heat or wet conditions may be experienced in different parts of South Africa.

If you have been driving for a long time in the heat, it could have an impact on your overall mood, and may make you tired, irritable, and quick-tempered. It is critical that you rest and relax before continuing your journey to avoid being in a situation where you snap, the AA advises.

The Association added that the heat is especially dangerous for young children and pets. They note that neither should be left alone in locked vehicles with the windows up as this could lead to serious medical problems.­­­­

Children and pets should also be given water on the journey to ensure they are properly hydrated. Regular stops to give children and pets a chance to stretch their legs and get fresh air are also vital.

Along with this, the AA urges motorists to remember that children need to be protected in car seats, and that pets should be properly housed in crates for the journey.

Get road trip ready with these easy steps:

1. Plan your route. Check the conditions of the road and the weather on your route. Ensure you know where petrol stations are and check for overnight accommodation in case you become to tired to travel or the weather renders you immobile.
2. Get a good night’s rest the night before your trip. This will put you in the right frame of mind to tackle the long journey. Driving while you are tired or weary is dangerous not only for you and your family, but also for other road users.
3. Stop and rest every two hours or every 200 km, and rest for at least 15 minutes. This will allow you to refresh and refocus for the rest of the journey.
4. If possible, share the driving workload. If there is another licensed driver in the vehicle, let them take the wheel for a while. This will take your mind off the road and give you some time to mentally recharge.
5. Don’t rush. Leave enough time to get to your destination in good time. Speeding is against the law and dangerous. Arrive at your destination in one piece, rather than not at all.
6. Dress comfortably for the trip and apply sunblock if necessary because your arms and legs may be exposed to the sun, even if you aren’t aware of it.
7. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially if it is hot.
8. Open your windows. Even if your car is equipped with an air conditioner, open the windows every now and again to let fresh air in.
9. Always obey the rules of the road, they are meant for everyone and are there for a reason.
10. Wear your seat belt and ensure all passengers, including children, are also properly buckled up.
11. Don’t get distracted. Talking or texting on a cellphone, or constantly turning around to interact with passengers on the back seat are all extremely dangerous as they take your focus away from the road. Pay attention to your own, and other drivers’ behaviour.
12. Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol and driving do not mix, it’s as simple as that.
13. Be courteous to other drivers and respect their right to use the road.
14. Check your tyres for wear and correct inflation. Don’t forget to also check the spare.

The AA notes more and more people will be on the roads over the festive period so it is critical that motorists are calm and prepared for the road. It is also important that drivers appreciate the fact that their actions have an impact on other road users.