Holiday Road Travel Tips

So you are going on holiday soon. You have worked hard through the year and now seek that much deserved rest and relaxation. Driving to your destination, locally or across the border? Getting there safe and sound is a great way to start your holidays and to make memories. These are just some tips I have put together for arriving at your destination without mishap, safely and soundly.

Water and Sanitizer

But equally important before we get down to the nitty-gritty of safe travelling, always ensure that you carry at least a litre of water.

This can be placed in the ‘well’ of the spare tyre or somewhere where it can be easily retrieved. The advantages of carrying water, especially in situations where water might not be available, are numerous. The next important thing is to remember to take all your medication with you. Should your car have a spare tyre, always ensure it is correctly inflated and in roadworthy condition.

Medication

If you have any life-threatening allergies and you are chronic medication, wear a medical alert bracelet and keep essential medical numbers on your cellphone. Share this information with your travel partners before embarking on your journey. The vehicle itself must be in roadworthy condition and free from clutter that adds to the weight you are carrying.

Should I have the car checked out before I go or when I return from a journey?

There are pros and cons about servicing your vehicle before or after your journey. If you have any doubt whatsoever, rather have the vehicle checked out before the trip. Check the ffg: Fluids, Lights, Wipers, Wheels and tyres (alignment and balancing), Brakes and Brake Pads, Leaks, Drive Belts, Spare wheel, and steering (pulling to one side).

Yu want peace of mind and no nasty surprises. If there is a part needed, then replace it, as the repair bill in another town could be much higher and an inconvenient interruption of your holiday happiness. Some manufacturers are offering a free health check for your vehicle so make use of this. I prefer to have the vehicle checked out before I go on a long road trip.

Next of kin should ideally be informed of your itinerary and associated contact numbers.

If I am driving to my destination, I like to leave at least two hours before sunrise. The roads are quieter and driving conditions cool. This means that the vehicle has to be packed the night before.

How to pack or load the vehicle?

And when packing, it’s important to pack, so that items that might be needed are easily accessible.

There is nothing worse than emptying the entire boot to get to the spare wheel at the side of a busy road. Also, leave the bling at home and reduce your risk of getting robbed. Leave your expensive watches and jewellery locked up in a safe at home. The same goes for expensive electronic items. Carry only what you need. Should you be travelling cross-border by road, then make photocopies of your passport, credit cards and other identification documents.

Leave one copy with a relative at home, and keep another copy separate from your originals.

Carry an extra pair of reading glasses or contact lenses as backup. You don’t want your vacation ruined because you can’t read the fine print. Always obey all local road rules and watch out for speed traps, which are usually about 5km from when you enter or leave a town.

Zero Tolerance

Never drink and drive. Road traffic authorities will be ever present to ensure that the rules of the road are being observed, especially drink driving. You might have a small drink or even one beer, but you will be over the limit. Zero tolerance means exactly that.

Alcohol remains in your system for up to eight hours after consumption. Roadblocks have now become a way of life to discourage people from drinking and driving. If you are stopped at such a roadblock and it is determined that you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of liquor.

You will be held in custody until you are able to post bail. Depending on prior convictions against you, you face a hefty minimum fine or a two-year sentence or both.

You may also lose your driving licence or have it suspended. And of course, you will have a criminal record. Don’t take chances, as the last thing you want on a journey is to be bundled into the back of a cop van in full view of family members or travelling partners.

Remember that drunk driving is the biggest contributor of road accidents and deaths, so expect all provincial traffic authorities to be out in full force.  

Travel safe and happy holidays to you and yours!