This year the April holidays greet us relatively early, in fact, almost an entire month earlier than that of 2012. Only four months into the year and the December holidays seem like a distant memory and the upcoming long weekends are ready to be welcomed with open arms. The hustle and bustle of a new year, new deadlines and New Year’s resolutions to achieve, can take its toll, so let’s kick back and enjoy.
Speaking of tolls and kicking back, the media dubbed ‘E-toll Saga’ continues. After last year’s court battle, anticipation is growing with Outa’s (The Opposition for Urban Tolling Alliance) application to scrap e-tolling being dismissed in December last year. January saw the application to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein approved, and again, we wait. The latest updates will be available here, and Matrix will be right by your side through it all.
Something that is truly worth the wait is spotting the sea for the first time on your journey down to the coast. Remember those competitions, R5 to the most promising explorer, not to mention the best pair of eyes. A useful tip is to travel with binoculars, and the cash is in the bag. Here are some other useful tips, from Arrive Alive, for your long journey:
- Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s license with you.
- Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow yourself enough time to reach the destination
- Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreens, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
- Do not overload.
- Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.
- Have a good rest before you embark on your journey
- Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km. Rest, have an energy drink and continue once well rested.
- Do not drink and drive
- Try to recognize potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them
- Be visible – drive with your lights on
- Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within range of the main beam.
- Always wear your seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
- Drive defensively
- Stay within the speed limit at all times
- Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so
- Maintain at least a 2 second following distance – this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
- Expect others not to be as obedient to the law as yourself
- Avoid distractions on the road such as texting, conversations on cellular phones etc
- Be courteous towards fellow road users – keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate
- Know your emergency numbers – reach Matrix support at 011 654 8090
Be sure to check your route for anything out of the ordinary at http://www.aa.co.za/on-the-road/reports/road-conditions.html
The road trip to your destination is always a pleasure and the anticipation is palpable, but the return trip tends to lend itself to a qualifying session for the rat race. Home is where the heart is and chances are… you’re travelling with those you hold near and dear, please drive diligently and return home safely.
Wishing you happy travelling from all of us at Matrix!