We are all for going green and saving the environment, we really are; but we just had to share this!
http://motofusion.co.za/blog/jeep-wrangler-vs-toyota-prius/
Easter weekend falls right in the middle of our school holidays and for many families it’s a time to take a family vacation or visit relatives and friends in other provinces. Anyone who has travelled during the Easter season knows that the roads are extremely busy, with heavy motor vehicles being a constant sight.
Many drivers get anxious when they have to deal with heavy traffic, bored kids in the car and concentrating on the road itself for many hours. At Skankane Transport we would like to give you a few tips that can not only help you travel safely this Easter holiday but to also help you to be a better driver.
1. Always obey the rules of the road including the passing of vehicles (pass right keep left) and driving within the e.
2. Make sure that you have your driver’s license with you at all times and that it hasn’t expired. Also make sure your car license is up to date and that it’s not expiring during your holiday. This will help you to avoid getting an unwanted traffic fine for such offenses.
3. Do a vehicle check a few days before you leave for your holiday. Check that all the lights (head, mist, reverse and back lights) are in a working condition. Ensure that your indicators and hazard lights are in working as well. Replace your wind screen wipers if they are older than 6 months. Check your brakes, tires (including your spare tire), steering and exhaust system. Check the oil and water as well.
4. When you pack don’t overload your car, this can cause extra weight and increase your fuel consumption drastically. You should always have a clear view of the back window so that you can see any vehicles driving behind you. Passengers in the back must be able to buckle up so make sure that there are seat belts available.
5. Try not to drive in the dark especially in the early and late evening. Driving in the dark can make you sleepy very quickly even if you think you are awake and alert. It is best to drive during the day from around dawn.
6. If you are the driver make sure you get a good night’s rest the night before you hit the road. Pre-pack the car so that you don’t have to get up too early. A good night’s rest will help you to concentrate for longer.
7. Buckle up! Everyone in the car should buckle up including children. Use baby seats and booster seats for children under the age of 6. Make sure that your buckle clicks when you put it on.
8. For every 200 km or 2 hours of driving take a rest break. Stretch your legs and arms, walk around, go to the rest rooms and have a cold drink. This will help you to stay focused and it is good for both the driver and the passengers.
9. Whatever you do don’t drink alcohol and drive. Don’t use medicine that will make you drowsy and drive either. You are not only putting yourself at risk but you are also putting every road user around you at risk as well.
10. Keep a clear head and plan the road ahead. If you see potentially dangerous drivers and/or pedestrians alongside the roaddrive slower and keep clear of them.
11. If you are driving in the dark make sure you have dipped your head lights down from bright when an oncoming vehicle approaches. Being temporary blinded by bright lights can cause accidents.
12. Always focus on driving safely, don’t become a rage driver. Your mind functions better with one thought at a time than with multiple thoughts while driving.
13. Speed kills. When in an accident the total weight of each person and the vehicle is multiplied by 7. Don’t become a statistic. Respect the speed limits at all times. Driving faster will not make you arrive quicker at your destination but it could cause an accident or high levels of unnecessary stress.
14. Overtaking another vehicle should only be attempted when it is safe to do so. Most highways have 2 to 3 lanes to make overtaking easier. If you are driving on single lanes make sure not to overtake on a solid line, corner or blind raise. Listen to your instincts, if you are in doubt don’t overtake a car. Don’t flash your lightsat a slower car to make them go over onto the shoulder of the road and let you pass as there might be hazards up front.
15. Avoid your cellphone while driving. Texting while driving can cause serious car accidents. If you need to answer your phone rather stop at a safe spot alongside the road, or ask your passenger to answer it for you. Don’t check your emails or social media either.
16. Remember the 3 second following distance rule, this will help you stop in time should the vehicle in front of you suddenly stop. In the dark or in rainy or misty weather make the length longer.
17. Plan your trip ahead by checking on social media for any protest actions, accidents, road closures or road works. Social media accounts like @TRACN4, @ArriveAlive and @N3Route give hourly if not minute by minute updates about what is happening on the roads. Ask your passenger to check for any updates while you are driving.
18. If you are pulled over by a traffic official remain calm and follow his/her instructions. Many road blocks are held over the Easter period to check for any drivers driving under the influence, road worthiness of vehicles and valid licenses.
19. Remember to switch on your head lights during rainy and/or misty weather. Drive slower if your vision is minimal. Remember to watch out for warning signs for any sudden weather changes.
20. If you do have a breakdown next to the road try to pull off the road completely, switch on your hazards and make sure your passengers stay out of the road. Contact your insurance company or reliable towing company if you need help. You can also contact the TRAC or SANRAL toll free numbers to assist you.
We would like to wish our readers, clients and staff a wonderful Easter holiday. Please drive safe if you are travelling and we hope to see you soon.