13 rules drivers planning to go up country need to know

Before you head up country here are safety rules will need to go through for safe traveling.

1) Service your car

You will need to consider replacing your worn tyres, CV joints, Suspension Bushes, Tie Rods and even rack ends. You should also go for alignment and camber adjustment. To avoid common highway breakdowns, check your battery, belts, lights and indicators. And most important check your spare Tyre.

2) Do not overload your car

Ensure every adult you carry is seated and belted. Avoid standing children especially those standing behind the dashboard, they can be severely injured even in a 20kph accident.

3) Do not speed or compete with other drivers

Give way even when you have right of way, this rule will make you arrive safe and enjoy your holiday. Do not show your driving prowess by just overspeeding.

4) Avoid the common mistake of overtaking in a herd

You do not need to swing to the right when other cars do so in a straight jam – you will find yourself under the axle of a 22 wheeler trying to get back in lane. Don’t overtake on blind corners, in heavy rain or whenever you don’t have a clear view of at least 500mtrs ahead of the front vehicle.

5) In case of a vehicle break down

Don’t have your family stand next to the vehicle while you repair with half yourself on the highway. If it is a catastrophic failure and you cant move, have them stand 20 meters away into the bush. Do not place your triangle 2 meters behind your car, place it at a minimum of 70 meters from where your car has stalled. Do not place a tyre on the road, a sleeping driver will hit it, his front wheels lose contact with the road and he runs into you.

6) Avoid using the air conditioner

Especially in the low end models because most have no pollen filters or effective dust filters. Your village visit will become a miserable flu filled ordeal.

7) Stop and sleep if you feel sleepy at any point

Not pouring cold water over your face will help your sleeping head. Find a motel park and sleep.

8) For those going to extreme ends of the country

Purchase simple puncture repair kits and mini compressors to avoid spending hours in dangerous and unfamiliar places.

9) Carry some light food

In case major accidents cause blockage and you have to spend hours in the car while you wait for the blockage to be cleared. Especially so if you have kids and hunger strikes in.

10) Familiarize yourself with emergency medical or accident life saving procedures

That you or another adult in your entourage can carry out while waiting for help. Kids should have on them emergency numbers.

11) If you find an accident on the road with no help in sight, stop to help

Don’t just take pictures to post on your page. Those 5 minutes of your attention might be the difference between someone living or dying.

12) Avoid unnecessary aggression on the road

It will change your judgement and distract you from the matter at hand.

13) Lastly, drive slow. Its a holiday, not an emergency

Give every action a second thought. Train yourself to be patient and calm in all situations.