Road Safety Tips from Car Rental South Africa

Planning a driving trip soon in South Africa? Don't let an accident or other unforeseen problem ruin your travels. Car Rental South Africa provides our clients with some essential driving tips that will help to ensure you, your passengers and other road users stay safe!

South Africa is serviced, in most areas, with a very good road network and as such you will find all the normal facilities you would in other countries on the road. However, remember that if you are planning on travelling into more remote, rural areas you may find the roads are less well maintained and service facilities are lacking. For this reason, be sure to plan your trip before setting out and do some research to ensure that in the event of an unforeseen problem, you are not left stranded. The AA of South Africa is an excellent resource for travelling by motor vehicle in South Africa and worth consulting before any road journey.

Safe Driving Tips in South Africa

• Before setting out on any long driving trip make sure you have all the correct emergency contact numbers, should an accident happen along the way and that your cellular phone is fully charged.
• Also take the time to ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and, especially if driving at night, that all your lights are fully functional.
• When packing your vehicle make sure you do not overload it as this can affect the handling and proper functioning of your vehicle. Also be sure not to obstruct your vision, both front and rear as this will also affect driving ability.
• Do not drink and drive, it is against the law to do so and is dangerous. If you have been drinking either rest if off or pass the responsibility onto a designated driver.
• Be sure that you are wearing a seat belt whilst you are driving, this applies to all other passengers in the vehicle as well.
• Fatigue is a common cause of road accidents so if you are planning a long drive try and aim to take a short break every 200km or 2 hours behind the wheel. Stop the vehicle, stretch your legs and have some refreshments.
• Do not use your cellular phone whilst driving, not even for text messages. It is a distraction and is also against the rules of the road.
• Research has shown that the late evening (between the hours of 18:00 and 21:00) is the most dangerous time of the day to be on the road, as an accident is more likely to occur. If possible avoid driving in the late evening, as well as at night.
• Remember that whilst you may be obeying all the rules of the road, other drivers may not be, so be vigilant and aware of what is going on around you and the actions of other road users and pedestrians.
• Maintain your composure at all times, no matter what happens on the road or how other drivers behave. This applies to speeding as well, be sure to stay within the designated limit of the road you are travelling on.

There you go, 10 essential safe driving tips brought to you by Car Rental South Africa that will help you and your passengers stay safe on the road and have a lovely road trip in and around our beautiful country.

South African Emergency Numbers - Car Rental South Africa

Here are some general contact numbers for emergency services in South Africa, please add you own personal emergency numbers to this list:

Police & Fire - 10111
Ambulance - 10117
Netcare 911 - 082 911
ER24 - 084 124

For detailed maps of South Africa, Google Maps South Africa can provide detailed routes as well as directions. Use this in conjunction with other travel planning tools such as printed road maps to help you plan your next road journey.

Need a rental car at a cheap price while on holiday in South Africa? Car Rental South Africa has great deals on quality vehicles that you can book online now! Fill out our no-obligation online quote form now and we'll help you book car rental in South Africa at the cheapest prices you will find online!

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