Transport Tips and Road Safety

1.South Africans drive on the left side of the road.

2.Road signs are in English and conform to international standards.

3.Some terms are unique, such as robot for traffic light.

4.Speed limits are strictly enforced. The KZN Traffic Authority practices a strict zero tolerance road safety campaign so please follow all regulations diligently.

5.Driving under the influence of alcohol, or drugs is a criminal offence.

6.The correct tyre pressure is extremely important to the overall safety of your vehicle. Your tyre pressure must be according to the recommendations set by the manufacturer.

7.It is advisable to check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, you will get a reading that is far more accurate this way.

8. Long journeys can be hazardous if you don’t plan your trip properly.

9.Defensive driving is an important preventive measure. When driving or riding, request a vehicle equipped with safety belts, and, where available, use them.

10. Cars and trucks should be carefully inspected to assure that tyres, windshield wipers, and brakes are in good condition and that all lights are in good working order.

11. Where available, also request a vehicle equipped with air bags. As a high proportion of crashes occur at night when drivers are returning from 'social events,' avoid nonessential night driving, alcohol, and riding with persons who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

zoom A Vehicle Salvage Operation in progress.

12. This risk of injury or death in a motor vehicle crash is greater for persons sitting in the front seat than for those in the rear seat. Where possible, travelers should ride in the rear seats of motor vehicles.

13. For travel with young children, you should bring your own child safety seat.

14.Ensure that you always have enough gas/petrol in the car.

15.Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.

16. Don't stop to eat,rest or relieve yourself on any roadside.

17. Don't stop to change a flat tyre in a lonely or quiet area.

18.. Be on the lookout for people on bridges who may want to throw projectiles at your vehicle as you pass under.

19. South African law requires that you have your driver’s licence with you when you drive. Check with the South African embassy or consulate in your country if your particular drivers licence is valid in South Africa. If not, you will have to obtain an international drivers licence.

20. Check well beforehand the situation in the areas you intend travelling through. For example, will you be travelling through an area that is usually encroached by fog, is the road currently undergoing maintenance or will you be using it during peak times (7am to 8am, 4pm to 6pm) or during our peak holiday seasons( June – July , December- January).

Checklist for long distance travel by Car:

It is highly advisable to have the following parts of your car thoroughly checked by a reputable mechanic before setting off on a long journey:

1. Air Filter

2. Alternator

3. Battery

4. Brakes

5. Carburettor

6. Distributor

7. Engine Oil

8. Exhaust & Silencer

9. Fan & Belt

10. Front Wheel CV Joints

11. Fuel Line

12. Fuel Pump

13. Gearbox Oil

14. High –Tension (HT) leads

15. Ignition Coil

16. Lights

17. Oil level and filter

18. Radiator

19. Rear Wheel Drive Shaft

20. Shock Absorbers

21. Spark Plugs

22. Tyres

23. Windshield Wiper Blades

Breakdowns

A breakdown is more likely to happen to a vehicle that is poorly driven, excessively overloaded or badly maintained.

It is in your best interests to have your personal vehicle regularly serviced or in the case of vehicle hire, to source your vehicle from reputable and trusted vehicle hire companies.

KZN vehicle hire firms, located at Airports and Hotel Lobbies, are amongst the best in the world and their standards of service, delivery and stock are without exception, immaculate!

However, in anticipation of, and in the unlikely event of a breakdown, it is strongly suggested you conform to the following:

1. It is vital that you inform your friends, relatives, fellow travelers and hotel staff of the route you intend taking, your exact destination and your estimated time of arrival. Soon as you’ve imparted this information, ensure that you adhere to the route, destination and details you’ve described.

2. Ensure that your personal cellphone or mobile you’ve hired has been fully charged in the hours before you embark on your journey. It is also advisable to carry with you a cellphone charger that can be operated from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

3. It is highly recommended that you acquaint yourself with at least the basics of vehicle maintenance and repair, and to know the exact significance of all the warning devices, dials and lights fitted to the vehicle you are driving.

4. In the event of an extended breakdown:

a) Make sure that your vehicle is significantly clear of passing traffic.

b) Place a warning triangle 200 feet behind your vehicle.

c) Remove all items of value from your person and your car, relocating them where strangers who may stop to inquire or to help cannot see them. Also remove and lock in your boot any items that may identify you as a long distance traveller.

d) Immediately use your cellphone or mobile to call for assistance.

e) Use your discretion and accept offers of help that you, in your utmost judgement, believe to be sincere and safe. Still remain especially wary and try not to divulge too much information.

f) In the event that someone does offer help and you believe him/her to be untrustworthy, extend your thanks to him/her and say that help is already on the way.

Public Transport

In South Africa, the most commonly used modes of public transport are sedan taxis, mini bus taxis, buses and trains.

Travelling via public transport, should you choose to do so, can be a colourful, informative and novel means of gaining an authentic South African experience.

However you are best advised to embark on your adventure in the company of a trustworthy, reliable and endorsed South African tour chaperone or guide.

Remembering and observing the following tips will assist you in having a safe and secure experience:

1. You are strongly advised not to use public transport on your own.

2. Before your journey please remove and/or conceal all conspicuous items of value on your person such as jewellery, cameras, cellphones or mobiles, Pda’s and watches.

3. Carry exactly what you need for your fare and your outing. Have your exact fare ready at hand so there is no unnecessary mishandling of your wallet or handbag which could leave you and the contents of your purse or luggage exposed.

4. Know well beforehand exactly where you are going and exactly which vehicle will take you on your prescribed route. Before you leave your accommodation, make certain that you verify this information at least more than twice with hotel staff, your tour guide and approved security personnel.

5. Avoid the use of vehicles that are in poor or bad condition. Your safety is very dependant on the state of the vehicle you choose to travel in.

6. Where possible avoid overcrowded vehicles or train compartments, and avoid close body contact with other passengers.

7. Choose a seat away from the window or the door, thus making you less prone to the unwelcome operations of snatch- thieves.

8. Should you find yourself travelling alone while on a train journey, stay away from empty compartments or carriages. Rather select a compartment or carriage that has decent and respectable looking male and female passengers.

9. On arrival at your destination, disembark confidently and walk off in a strongly purposeful manner. Stay away from the edge of platforms and pavements.

10. Ensure that you have arranged for a friend, relative, colleague, tour guide or staff member of your designated hotel to meet you at your destination at your precise time of arrival.