WeeklySA_AdminTRAFFIC: Lack of patience, recklessness and driver fatigue are major contributing factorsof SA’s high road death toll…
By Motoring Reporter
The Easter holidays represent one of the busiest times on South African roads, creating a much higher risk of accidents. Making sure that your vehicle and its tyres are in roadworthy condition is one of the first steps in ensuring a safe and smooth journey.
Tyres are the most important safety component on your car – whether it’s a modern performance vehicle with the latest driver assistance technologies, a workhorse for your business, or an older car that lacks features such as ABS and electronic stability control. As the only point of contact between the car and the road, tyres have a critical role to play in keeping your vehicle safely on the road in all weather conditions.
Planning ahead and responsible driving behaviour are equally crucial, as a lack of patience, recklessness and driver fatigue are major contributing factors in the tragically high accident and death toll in South Africa. Sadly, this country ranks amongst the highest in the world with around 14 000 fatalities recorded each year.
Here are some road safety tips to make your Easter break safer and more enjoyable:
Your vehicle’s tyres need to be maintained properly and checked regularly to ensure that they are in good condition without any cuts, cracks, bulges or damage from the countless hazards encountered when driving, including potholes and sharp debris.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressures is essential, and this should be checked regularly at least every two weeks. Under-inflated tyres can negatively affect the vehicle’s handling, increase fuel consumption and wear, and will eventually overheat leading to premature failure.
Over-inflated tyres will result in reduced grip, longer braking distances and significantly increased wear in the centre of the tyre. The tyre pressures must also be adjusted for unladen and laden operating conditions, and should be checked when the tyres are cold.
Check the condition and pressure of the vehicle’s spare tyre as well. If the vehicle is equipped with a mobility kit instead of a spare tyre, ensure that it is in proper working order.
If you are towing a caravan or trailer, carefully inspect the condition of the tyres, and adjust the pressures correctly.
Trailers and caravans often stand in the sun for long periods with little use, impacting the performance and lifespan of the tyres.
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm for tyres with tread wear indicators, or 1 mm for tyres without this feature. If the tread is below the legal limit, it’s time to replace your tyres. Wet handling and braking performance is significantly impacted when the tread depth drops below 3 mm, and is especially dangerous below 1.6 mm, resulting in much longer stopping distances and a significantly higher risk of aquaplaning.
An all-round technical check-up of your vehicle and trailer or caravan is advised before embarking on your trip. Items to be examined include oil and coolant levels, brakes, battery, lights, windscreen wipers and shock absorbers. You can either do this yourself or visit a vehicle service or fitment centre.
In the rush to reach your holiday destination, many people drive long distances without stopping for a break. This results in fatigue and the increased likelihood of a collision. It is recommended to stop and have a break at least every two hours. If you’re tired, rather stop in a safe location and rest – after all, arriving late is better than not getting there at all.
Almost half of South Africa’s road accident fatalities involve pedestrians. Accordingly, watch out for people crossing the road, especially at night. Pedestrians are advised to wear bright clothing, ideally with reflective fabric, when walking at night to improve their visibility to other road users.
If your vehicle breaks down during your journey, pull well off the road into the safest possible location, and place a warning triangle at least 50 metres behind your car to warn other motorists. Changing tyres or working on your car on the roadside verge is extremely dangerous, so exercise caution.
Poor driving behaviour is a major contributing factor in road accidents. Mobile phone usage when driving has become one of the world’s leading causes of accidents, as it takes your attention and eyes off the road – often with tragic consequences. Avoid drinking when driving, as it severely impacts your vision, awareness and reaction times.
Finally, showing a bit of patience and consideration for other road users goes a long way towards a peaceful, enjoyable and safe holiday for you and your family!-additional info from Continental Tyres.
MOTORING: Briefs
LEXUS BUYERS ARE VERY OLD
A new report from S&P Global Mobility comparing Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz buyers revealed some stark demographic differences, like age. Recent Lexus buyers are old—57.6 years on average. According to the study, using data from October 2024 to January 2025, the average luxury buyer is 54 years old. On average, Mercedes buyers are 55.7 years old, while BMW customers are 54.3 years old.
The study also revealed how much Lexus buyers earned in household income. They’re poorer than average, with nearly 47 percent making under $150,000. BMW had the highest percentage of wealthy earners, with almost 65 percent of households earning $150,000 or more on average.
Nevertheless, Lexus’s older buyers seem eager to spend their hard-earned cash. Sales for the brand were up 5.8 percent through the first three months of the year, which resulted in the brand’s best first quarter ever. It followed Lexus having a record-breaking 2024, with the automaker achieving its best sales year in its history. Maybe age isn’t everything.-motor1.com
MOST EXPENSIVE BMW CARS IN SA
With pricing for the BMW M8 starting from R3 374 849 for the M8 Competition Gran Coupe, the M8 Competition Convertible tops the price range with a price tag of R3 575 017 (the M8 Competition Coupe is priced from R3 424 178).
The BMW XM, priced from R3 400 000, is the most expensive BMW SUV you can buy in South Africa right now. It offers 480 kW and 800 Nm from its hybrid-electric drivetrain, comprising a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine and an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission.
Those numbers ensure brisk acceleration with BMW claiming 4.3 seconds in the zero to 100 kph sprint. The comes the BMW X6 M Competition from R3 341 900 is the third most expensive BMW car for sale in South Africa.
The X6 M Competition is powered by the familiar twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine, the same powering the M8 above, which also produces 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque and is also paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. BMW claims 3.9 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph.- Cars.com
KIA’S GETTING A UTE
Kia Australia has launched a new ad campaign for its upcoming Tasman ute, which debuted at the season debut NRL match during the week..
Created as a follow up to the high-rotation ‘Kia’s Getting A Ute’ ad that aired in March 2024, the new commercial once again features some of Australia’s biggest sporting legends, as well as Buck the Brisbane Broncos mascot. Buddy Franklin, Darren Lockyer, Alfie Langer, Steve Waugh and Dylan Alcott all make appearances.
The Tasman range will be powered by the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 154kW/440Nm outputs and mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
#Could be headed to South Africa soon.-WHICHCAR?
