Here are some tips to ensure you have a safe journey to your
destination.
General Tips for safe driving
Look ahead – do not rely on the vehicle immediately
in front of you. Check further ahead to be fully aware
of the traffic situation and the road. This will allow
you more time to react and respond.
No stopping – you are not allowed to stop your vehicle
on the highway unless your car breaks down. Otherwise,
only stop when you reach a rest stop area or the toll plaza.
In an Emergency – if your tyre bursts, do not attempt
to steer your car off the road. This may result in
your car losing control and spinning off the highway. Instead,
you should accelerate a little and hold your car in a straight
path before releasing the accelerator to allow the car to
slow down to about 30 km/h before gently steering towards
the hard shoulder.
Did you know that driving at 90 kmh burns 30% less fuel
than at 120 kmh?
You should only use the hazard lights on your car if your
car has broken down. It should NOT be used during heavy
rain or when driving on the hard shoulder.
Make sure your tyres are pumped to the correct pressure. Apart
from being dangerous, underinflated tyres can add 2% to your
fuel bill.
Always be prepared to anticipate unexpected actions of
other drivers.
In poor visibility, switch on dipped headlights.
Always use the left hand lane whenever possible. The
other lanes are overtaking lanes. Do not overtake in
the left lane.
Always indicate when changing lanes.
If you feel sleepy, get off the highway at the first opportunity.
Obey all warning, speed limit and traffic sign.
Hydroplaning occurs when your tyres lose traction
with the road surface due to wet conditions, resulting in your
tyres riding on a cushion of water instead.
To prevent hydroplaning:
Check your tyres and tyre pressure regularly
Reduce your speed when approaching standing water and
puddles
Where possible, drive in the tracks of preceding vehicles
Should your vehicle hydroplane:
Change to neutral gear (on a standard transmission, depress
the clutch)
Switch on the hazard lights
Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer where you want
to go
