The long weekend and school holidays has arrived meaning that thousands of South Africans will take to the country’s roads for a well-deserved “Sho’t Left”.
From today Gautengers or “Vaalies” as they are also known, will flock to popular getaway destinations in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga for the long weekend.
Below are four long distance travel tips to prevent boredom, fatigue so that you and your family can arrive at your destination ready to relax and take advantage of that well-earned holiday!
- Relax but stay aware
Travelling is very much about the journey and not the destination, relax, enjoy the scenery and don’t be in a rush. Listen to a podcast to keep boredom at bay but also at the same time be aware of important rules of the road, there is no need to tailgate the vehicle in front of you or overtake when not safe to do so. Watch out for pedestrians and wild animals, especially in rural areas.
- Eat healthy and get enough rest
Pack a healthy, nutritious lunch and keep hydrated. Stop to eat if you can and try to avoid driving at night. It’s safer and wiser to rest overnight along the way, than it is to forge on through the night. You will also be supporting local business and contributing to local tourism in this way.
- Get through the toll plazas quickly
Some toll plazas get packed up during holiday season, but registered e-toll users have very little to worry about; they have the added benefit of being able to pass through national toll plazas faster on the Shesha lane. This means they get to their destinations quicker and arrive without the extra irritation of having to wait in toll queues.
Using the refreshed SANRAL Mobility app, registered e-toll users can also top up their e-toll accounts before departing, which helps with holiday budgeting. The updated app also allows users to plan their travel routes beforehand and provides users a better understanding of the full costs of tolling.
- Check your vehicle
In terms of your vehicle, make sure that it is in tip-top condition before leaving. Check the tyres – including the spare – for damage and wear and make sure they are correctly inflated. Also conduct an under the bonnet check to see if your car’s fluids like water, oil, coolant, brake fluid are at the right levels.
If the windscreen is chipped or cracked, have it repaired or replaced. Make sure the windscreen wipers, hooter, indicators, brake lights and headlights all operate as they should. Buckle up and do not overload your vehicle or trailer, if you’re towing one!
