Road-trip Nirvana - Keeping everyone happy and safe

 

By Ané Theron

While some families relish the prospect of every road-trip, others only hit the open road when it is absolutely necessary. Here's how handy guide to keep everyone in the car safe, chilled-out, and chipper.

 

1 Pack only the things you need. Visualise how you will be spending the next few days, and pack according to that so you don't burden yourselves (and the boot) with superfluous luggage. An unnecessarily heavy car will make the engine guzzle expensive fuel and leave you with less money for the fun stuff.

2 Pack the boot according to what you may need during your trip or when you first arrive at your destination. Suitcases and larger bags go in first, while smaller bags with things such as fresh nappies, snacks, playing cards, phone chargers, or first-aid kits -the-best-first-aid-kit-for-your-car go in last. This way you don't have to frustrate yourself by trying to find a needle in a haystack if you need a headache tablet.

3 Don't keep many loose items inside the cabin. If you must, store them at your feet in a bag or backpack when not in use. Items like phones, tablets or gaming devices can become deadly torpedoes if the driver has to brake suddenly. Invest in seatback pouches that fit over the front seats to keep the car organized.

4 Go easy on the caffeine. Too many cups of coffee or energy drinks can cause agitation, nervousness, and irritability in general. Rather make a point of getting enough rest before setting off, or leave slightly later in the day. Using natural anti-fatigue remedies like Ginseng, Gingko Biloba and/or B-Vitamins, which will increase your energy and focus without making you a nightmare to drive with.

5 Take the time to discover hidden gems instead of just stopping at the closest service station for Steers or The Wimpy. Dreading the 1500 km journey from Jo'burg to Cape Town? Colesberg on the N1 is actually a very charming little town that offers some interesting options if you and the family need to stop for lunch or a snack. You'd be surprised at how much money you'll end up saving by avoiding Ultra Cities and the like...

6 If you don't believe in stopping for meals and prefer to pack your own champion lunchboxes, read Snazzy Sandwiches for the Roughest Road-trippers for some yummy ideas.

7 Going somewhere new? Have a map or road atlas as a backup, or a proper GPS if you own one. Waze and Google Maps on your phone will let you down in areas where signal is poor, and getting lost with the family is no ride at the funfair. Also bring a spare car key and entrust it to someone else in the car, in case you lose yours.

8 If you don't feel confident driving in the dark, or if you have trouble seeing properly at night, ask your other half or another responsible person to take over. Invest in night-driving specs if you regularly drive at night (speak to your optometrist), and avoid dazzling oncoming cars with your high-beam headlamps. Switch to low-beam as soon as you become aware of traffic coming your way.

9 Don't rush. Plan your trip carefully and leave yourselves enough time to appreciate the scenery or to have something to eat, or for road works, heavy traffic, and other time eaters. Speeding is a no-no and it's an expensive habit from a fuel-consumption perspective.

10 Keep your distance! Driving too close to the car in front of you is not just rude, it's downright dangerous, especially if you plan on overtaking that person. Staying further back will give you a better view of oncoming traffic so you don't cause an accident.

Click here for more deadly driving habits you should quit doing right now.