Top road safety tips for the festive season

Conquering the 'Silly Season' on South African roads this December

The festive season in South Africa, roughly from late November to early January, is a time for joyous reunions, delicious feasts, and well-deserved rest. But before you hit the road with your loved ones, remember: safety always comes first!

Your ultimate goal this festive season is to reach your loved ones safely and in one piece!

Related: Roadtrip advice to keep you safe

This silly season, avoid becoming a statistic by following these top road safety tips:

Where will you be headed this December? Plan your trip properly to guarantee a safe arrival!

1. Preparing your ride for a smooth journey:

• Festive car check-up: Give your car a thorough once-over. Check crucial fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid, ensuring they're topped up and within recommended levels. If you don't trust yourself to do this, take it to the experts.

• Tyre time-out: Don't skimp on safety! Inspect your tyres' tread depth and pressure, ensuring they meet specifications and are properly inflated for optimal handling and fuel efficiency. Don't forget the spare; check its pressure and ensure it's ready for unexpected encounters. When are car tyres unsafe? Watch our video on this topic. (Shopping for a tyre repair kit? These are the 6 best ones to buy)

• Pack smart and light: Overloaded vehicles handle poorly and increase braking distances. Pack strategically, ensuring clear visibility through the rear window. Tie down all loose items so they don't become deadly rockets when the driver has to stop suddenly.

• Comfort and entertainment: With kids on board, prioritise their well-being. Pack comfy neck pillows and sunshades to prevent sunburn, download age-appropriate playlists and games, and ensure the air conditioning is in good working condition. 

If you don't trust yourself to do it, have your car checked out by a professional before you set off.

2. Driving savvy: Keeping everyone safe and happy

• Rest stops are a must. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Schedule breaks every two hours or 200km, allowing everyone to stretch their legs and release pent-up energy. This keeps everyone refreshed and prevents meltdowns. 

• Don't just stop at the side of the road without checking that it's safe first. Some areas are hotspots for crime, and you don't want to be a sitting duck for thieves or hijackers. The same goes for busy petrol stations; scan the environment, ensure the car is locked, and don't let younger children visit the restrooms alone. (These are the most popular cars with hijackers.)

• Connect your phone to your car's Bluetooth system if it has this feature. If not, invest in a Bluetooth headset or car kit in case you need to answer calls while you're behind the wheel. Better yet, get your partner or another passenger to make or answer calls on your behalf. Distracted driving is almost worse than driving drunk, and these are some of the driving habits that kill.

• Respect the rules of the road. We know that traffic during the festive season is hectic! But always stick to speed limits, maintain safe following distances, avoid risky manoeuvres, and allow those rude road hogs to go past. In the same breath, don't pull over for faster traffic on a corner or anywhere where you can't see the road ahead of you properly or where other traffic can't see you, i.e., on a blind rise. (These are the top 10 deadly driving habits that put motorcyclists at risk.)

• Weatherproofing your drive. South African weather can be unpredictable. Adjust your driving style according to the conditions. Use headlights in heavy rain or mist, and be extra cautious on slippery roads. Here's how to drive safely in the rain.

• Reduce your speed if you drive in the dark or in the rain. It's more difficult to see wildlife wandering into the road or pedestrians and other traffic. Reduce your speed and try to avoid blinding oncoming traffic with your brights. Be a defensive driver who is always aware of surrounding traffic instead of just focusing on the edge of the car's bonnet.

• Ensure all seatbelts are fastened! Kids sometimes forget. It's your responsibility to check that they re-fasten after a rest stop. (Here are some more driving tips for families.)

• Designate a driver. If festivities involve even moderate alcohol consumption, plan a safe ride home (here's how much, or rather, how little, you're allowed to drink and still drive a car, according to SA laws). Appoint a designated driver who won't be tempted to drink or consider calling an Uber, a taxi, or a friend!

Possibly, the worst and most dangerous thing you can do is to check your phone while you're driving. Please abstain from doing it this festive season and at all times.

3. Stay awake and alert

• Fuel Your Body:  Combat drowsiness with proper hydration and snacks. Avoid carb-heavy meals that can make you feel sleepy. Carry a flask with coffee for pick-me-ups during your journey. Chewing gum helps too!

• Choose appropriate music: Opt for upbeat tunes that will keep your brain engaged. (That workout mix they play when doing a spinning class is perfect!)

• Open the windows or make the air conditioning colder. Fresh air or a lower temperature can do wonders for a driving-weary brain.

• Stretch and flex: Do some gentle neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and leg exercises at traffic lights, or do a few jumping jacks when you fill up the car. Who cares if people think you're a bit crazy?

• Talk to the person in the front passenger seat: Not driving alone? One of your passengers should really be staying awake to chat with you. They can swap shifts with other occupants if it's a long journey and share driving duties if they're responsible drivers. (Here are ten tips to keep alert and focused on the road.)

• Too tired to drive at all? Look for a place to spend the night. Sometimes you find places cheaply if you book at the very last minute. It's worth a shot. (I always use booking.com.)

Tired drivers are dangerous drivers. Stop, take a break, let someone else take over, or find somewhere safe to spend the night.

4. Be ready for anything: Emergency Readiness

• Pack an emergency kit: Include essential items like a well-stocked first-aid kit, water bottles, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, a flashlight, phone chargers, and basic tools. These are the best first-aid kits for your car.

• Have a plan in place: Ensure you know what to do in case of an accident, breakdown, flat tyre, or unexpected weather event. Make sure everyone knows the relevant emergency contact numbers (the Western Cape's are here). The nationwide emergency response number is still 10111, or 112 from a cellphone, or 10177 for a medical emergency/ambulance.

• Hand over your car's spare key to your driving partner, friend, or spouse. You won't be stranded if you lose a set of car keys.

• Familiarise yourself with the route and stay informed. Check weather forecasts and traffic updates before your trip, and be aware of potential road closures or detours on that specific route. Use Google Maps or Waze to assist. Decide beforehand where you'll fill up with fuel and stop for breaks or meals. (Here are some survival tips for wet weather driving.)

Always have a plan in place for when an emergency strikes.

5. Festive fun: Creating memories that last

• Plan pit stops for adventure: Research fun detours along your route—a visit to a wildlife reserve, a picnic at a scenic spot, or a quirky roadside attraction. These breaks break the monotony and create lasting memories for your little ones (and allow you to stretch your back and legs). Follow our top 10 tips for road-tripping with kids.

• Games on the go: Keep boredom at bay (and keep the cabin calm and quiet!) by encouraging fun challenges, like spotting landmarks or counting colourful cars.

• Technology time-outs: While tablets and phones can be lifesavers, sometimes it's necessary to limit screen time, as it can lead to carsickness, especially on twisty roads. Encourage family conversations, point out interesting things, and let your kids rediscover the fun of looking out the window and enjoying SA's spectacular scenery.

Planned pit stops are good for everyone!

Related: Here are some more in-depth summer road trip safety tips.