10 holiday roadtrip-tips to keep you safe
We've compiled our top 10 tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all. Join us as we share valuable advice on vehicle preparation, in-car entertainment, and road safety, so you can embark on your well-deserved break with confidence and ease.
As the holidays approach, many people are planning their annual road trip for a well-deserved break. To ensure a low-stress and enjoyable trip with a safe arrival at your destination, we have gathered together our top 10 tips.
Related: Tips for driving in the rain or bad weather
1. Prepare your car
The last thing you need is to break down before your holiday even starts. Have your vehicle serviced and checked out properly before you leave. Ensure your tyres are in good condition too. Join the AA if your insurance doesn't cover roadside assistance. (Should you get your car DEKRA tested? Find out here.)
Related: Reasons why a car tyre won't inflate
2. Stock Up on Snacks
Stocking up on car snacks before you leave is a cost-effective plan to avoid higher prices at petrol stations as well as long queues.
3. Get Plenty of Rest
If you are planning an extra-long road trip, it is always advisable to get some quality shut-eye before leaving. Going to bed early and having a flask of coffee on hand while you travel will help to keep a travel-weary brain alert. For more on this, read our Top 10 Tips to Keeping your Driving Sharp.
4. Share the Driving Duties
Sharing the driving duties allows you to rest, avoiding long-haul fatigue. Switching out every now and then gets you all to your destination happier and more safely.
(Sharing petrol costs with friends? Find out how to work out a car's fuel consumption.)
5. Take Rest Stops Every Few Hours
You need to stretch your legs regularly and rest your eyes, but the Ultra Cities and One-Stops aren’t the only places you can stop. We have many interesting farm stalls that are often less expensive than the large tourist traps. In that way, you also support the local community.
Related: Top 10 Tips for Road-Tripping with your dog
6. Keep Your Valuables Stowed Away
The Silly Season is a time of opportunity for thieves. Keep your valuables stowed away out of sight. This includes electronics, wallets, handbags and yes, even presents. If you do stop at the big rest stops along the way, make sure your car is locked by pulling on the handle—remote jamming is alive and well!
(Needing a tyre repair kit? Here's what to buy)
7. Ensure Plenty of Entertainment for the Kids
Travelling with younger children can be taxing, but if you pack enough things to keep them entertained, the trip can be fun. Tablets, in-car DVD players, and mobile gaming consoles will go a long way in keeping the little ones quiet if you're an easily distracted driver. And don’t forget the chargers or portable USB hubs to charge multiple devices at once.
8. Keep Motion Sickness Tablets Handy
Keeping a few over-the-counter motion sickness relief tablets handy ensures that passengers stay comfortable during the trip. Ginger also alleviates motion sickness, so have some ginger ale on hand just in case if you want to go the more natural route. The driver should preferably stay off the meds altogether. (Remember the "barf" bags.)
9. Use Cruise Control and Be Patient
Use the cruise control (if you have that function in your car) to alleviate stress on your feet, legs, and back. Relax, enjoy the drive, and don’t rush. The destination will still be there, and it's better to get there a little bit later than not at all. It also helps to conserve fuel somewhat.
10. Do Not Drink and Drive, or Text and Drive
This goes without saying – if you value your life, those of your passengers, and the other innocent road users heading to their holiday destination, DO NOT DRIVE DRUNK, browse the internet, post on social media, or text while you drive.
Also, if you don’t have Bluetooth in your car and you are caught yakking on your phone while you drive, it’s an immediate R1000 fine and/or a confiscated phone in some parts of SA. Please stay safe out there on the roads and enjoy the holidays.
Wondering how much you can legally drink until you have to call an Uber? Our article below sheds light on this subject.
Related: Drinking and driving this festive season: How much is too much?
