WeeklySA_AdminSPECIAL CAUTION: Experts advise for extra vigilance and suggest breaks after every 200km or two hours
By Ali Mphaki
It’s that time of the year again when Mkhize will be leaving Jozi to go down back home in Empangeni in KZN.
Matome will also be on his way to Gamarishane in Limpopo, while Mzwandile will be headed to his hometown of Engcobo in what he calls eKoloni in the eastern Cape.
The Beit Bridge will also be a hive of activity, with amaZimbo “refugees” going home for Christmas.
Not to be outdone, Abafana bakithi will be clogging the ever busy Komatipoort bordergate on their way to that land of Samora Machel called Mozambique.
What this means is that SA roads will once more be clogged as drivers often travel distances during Easter and the festive season from inland provinces to the coast driving anything from 500km to 1 500 km.
Long distance is generally understood as distances in a range of 300km or a drive further than three hours.
For starters, Arrive Alive advice that the best way to start is having a good night of uninterrupted sleep.
The thing is, if you start the journey tired, you’ll feel fatigued throughout your trip.
Of importance, do not fight driver fatigue by continuing to drive whilst tired – You will lose!
Arrive Alive further tips that, if possible, share the driving with a buddy. It is an exciting way to keep you excited and stress free.
Whilst the importance of pulling up regularly to freshen up and stretch your legs – every 200km or any two hours – can not be overemphasized, avoid consuming heavy food at rest stop.
If you are to sit stationary for several hours at a time behind the steering wheel, heavy foods in your tummy will leave you bloated and lethargic.
It is a given that being behind the steering wheel for hours will test both body and mind, Arrive Alive further implores drivers to ask the following questions;
• Are you familiar with the road and road conditions you might encounter;
• Are you driving alone;
• Will you be driving at night/ can night driving be avoided; and
• Are you using your own car or rental. If the latter is very critical to fully familiarize yourself with the vehicle prior your trip.
Drivers are further urged to check or have an effective mechanic check to focus on tyre tread depth, tyre pressure, and engine and brake oil.
Not to be forgotten is to also check if spare tyre is in good condition with correct tyre pressure and that all tools, like a jack, are available should you need to do a tyre/wheel change.
Drivers should also be congnisant that despite the best planning, there may be incidents and emergency situations that are unavoidable. A few suggestions for peace of mind, not only for the driver but also for the passengers, would include;
• Always have a fully-charged cellular phone at hand;
• Always have a container with water for emergencies – either to drink or to clean hands or the windscreen;
• Keep a set of jumper cables, flash light, raincoat, and a first aid kit.
Unlike my other friend Busobakhe, always ensure telling someone when you’re traveling and the approximate time they should expect you.
Be courteous towards fellow road users, keep your temper, and resist the temptation to retaliate.
And above all. Arrive Alive!!!
