Coping with rural roads in Zululand
Road maintenance, which was already being done sporadically - at best - before lockdown, is now even more behind schedule
IT seems the whole country is one, big backlog due to the Covid-19 lockdown, and our roads are no exception.
Road maintenance, which was already being done sporadically – at best – before the lockdown, is now even more behind schedule, and drivers venturing into rural areas must do so with caution.
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The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, said practising defensive driving is the most important tool in your arsenal against ill-kept and dangerous roads.
‘By ensuring that you do not stray from your defensive driving habits, you will likely identify dangerous situations faster, have more time to respond to these situations, and have more skills when it comes to deciding on your best course of action to avoid a crash.’
The following can also help you safely negotiate Zululand’s less-travelled rural roads:
* Ensure you check your vehicle before leaving, and that all necessary maintenance and services are completed before setting off on a long journey.
* Keep an eye on things such as water and oil levels throughout the trip.
* Obey the speed limit so that you have enough time to stop or move around obstacles.
* If conditions are bad – such as misty, rainy or there are a lot of potholes – reduce your speed even lower than the posted speed limit.
* Keep your headlights on as it increases your visibility to other drivers.
* Avoid driving at night, as it will be more difficult to spot problems, and you are likely to run into derelict vehicles at this time.
* If road signs warn you of obstacles, such as potholes, pay attention and adjust your driving.
* Watch out for animals, like cattle, that could stray into the road.
* If there is a sign warning of animals, slow down, whether you see any animals or not.
* Plan your route, ensuring you have enough fuel to get to the next spot to safely re-fuel.
* Be prepared for the different roads you might encounter, and ensure you have been trained to drive on all roads whether gravel, sand or tar.
* Keep all required documents, like your driver’s license, close at hand, because authorities are conducting regular lockdown roadblocks.
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