11 must-know travel tips

Most South Africans have already planned their activities for December, with thousands of motorists sharing the roads to various holiday destinations across the country.

This time of the year, going into January, is also the most dangerous time of the year, with more people involved in fatal collisions now than at any other time, even the Easter holiday.

It is important that all motorists who plan to embark on short and long-distance holiday trips ensure their vehicles are in good working condition and roadworthy.

To ensure the best possible experience on the road, motorists are encouraged to get their vehicles checked prior to leaving for holiday, and to make sure they are mentally prepared for the journey ahead.

According to the Automobile Association of South Africa, motorists should:

• Plan their route, including stops, and ensure to make provision to stop every 200 km or every two hours to rest, refuel and refresh.

• To plan your trip to avoid the rush when there will be more traffic using the roads. If possible, leave a day sooner, or a day later and the same for the return leg of the journey.

• Buckle up, this includes all passengers, including children under the age of three who, legally, must be in a car seat. Children 1,3 m in height or shorter need to be in booster seats.

• Obey all the rules of the road and drive to the conditions of the road. If the road is marked 120 km/h but visibility is poor, rather decrease speed to ensure you will have enough reaction time.

• Be courteous towards other road users. Remember, everyone has a right to be on the road.

• Make sure arrangements for overnight accommodation are done before leaving. Ensure your car is in good condition and roadworthy and ready to take you to your destination and back home again.

• Inspect the tyres, including the spare tyre, and make sure they still have sufficient tread left. Tyres are a key safety feature on vehicles, they are the only element between the vehicle and the road, and because of this, ensuring their continued good condition is vital. Any tyres which are bald, or under or over inflated, can be dangerous.

• Check all the necessary tools, including the red warning triangle to warn other motorists of a breakdown, to change a tyre if needed.

• Put your cellphone and other electronic devices away while driving. Focus on the road and on other drivers. Distracted driving diminishes reaction time.

• Perhaps plan a route off the beaten path and experience a bit more of South Africa than what the regular routes have to offer. Take time and arrive at your destination calm and rested and, most importantly, safely.

• Arriving safe is more important than arriving in the shortest possible time. Preparing for a road trip by having a good working conditioned car, and clear mind, is as important as the holiday itself.

Vehicle roadside emergency kit:

In South Africa, not all roads are always in the best condition. Motorists have to deal with potholes, cattle, wild animals and even pedestrians. Fact is vehicle breakdowns happen and don’t always happen in sunny, warm conditions with flawless cell phone reception and a tow truck close by.

Therefore, a roadside emergency kit can be important should a roadside emergency occur. Here are a few items one might need to have on a holiday trip, to ensure your safety and out of harm’s way.

• A fully charged cell phone, or a portable charger.

• Fire extinguisher.

• Reflective warning triangles.

• Spare tyre.

• Car jack.

• Foam tyre sealant.

• Jumper cables.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Duct tape.

• Towing rope.

• Multipurpose utility tool.

• Extra drinking water.

• Non-perishable snacks.

• Rain coat.

• Pantyhose (not to strangle someone or hang yourself out of frustration, but when a fan belt snaps and there is not an extra one to replace the current one, a set of pantyhose can also do the trick temporarily).