November 26, 2020 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Think Safety Even During the Holidays: Part 3

vuyi on November 26, 2020

With the end of 2020 comes a well-earned break after a long and extremely difficult year. In the last installment of our 3-part holiday driving series, we focus on the importance of driving safely around trucks and buses.

Show Consideration: Truck drivers are professionals who are responsible for keeping the wheels of the country’s economy turning. Show them respect, understanding and patience.
Heavy Loads: Due to their weight and size, trucks have much longer braking distances than a car. Don’t cut trucks off and then suddenly brake hard in front of them. Plan your overtaking manoeuvres to ensure there is enough space ahead – especially when several vehicles are travelling close together.
Inclines: Trucks lose speed on steep inclines, and some use this to pass other trucks that are driving slower. Give them the opportunity to pass then move to the left lane. Pass on the right, and only when it is safe to do so.
Stop-and-Go Traffic: Truck drivers try avoid braking and accelerating constantly in slow- moving traffic to keep a steady pace while managing the distance to the vehicle ahead. Don‘t cut them off by pulling into this gap, as it forces the truck to brake abruptly and further disrupts the flow of traffic.
Blind Spots: Trucks have more and much bigger blind spots than cars. Ensure that you can see far enough ahead, and that the driver can see you, before attempting to overtake. Make sure there is sufficient space to pull into your lane once the pass is completed. Avoid tailgating a truck, as you will be invisible to the driver, and will be severely restricting your view of oncoming road and traffic conditions.
Wind: Trucks are more sensitive to the wind, especially strong crosswinds. Keep this in mind when passing, especially on busy or narrow roads. Remember that the truck shields the wind from your car, which may result in an abrupt blast of wind once you are passed.
Rain: Wet and rainy conditions require greater caution. Along with needing much longer stopping distances, visibility is significantly reduced. Trucks kick up a lot of water and spray which further impedes visibility for following traffic. Only pass when you can see clearly ahead. If in doubt, wait until the next safe opportunity.
Turning Circles: Due to their length, trucks require more space and have much larger turning circles than cars – sometimes having to use two lanes to negotiate a tight corner. Keep this in mind at traffic lights and intersections, and when following behind a large vehicle.

Think Safety Even During the Holidays: Part 2

vuyi on November 26, 2020

With the end of 2020 comes a well-earned break after a long and extremely difficult year. In the second installment of our 3-part holiday driving series, we focus on the importance of vehicle maintenance.

Although modern safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) are integral to road safety and Continental’s Vision Zero concept, the condition of the vehicle plays a fundamental role.

All motorists need to adopt a proactive approach towards safety-critical maintenance. Follow these basic vehicle maintenance tips to help reduce road fatalities, expensive repairs and general inconvenience:

Tyres: The legal tread depth limit in South Africa is 1 mm, but tyres should be replaced when the tread depth drops below 3 mm (or at 1.6 mm at the very least) to ensure traction in wet conditions. Inspect the tyres for any uneven wear, bulges, cuts or abrasions in the sidewall, which could result in premature failure.
Tyre Pressures: Adjust your tyre pressures based on the vehicle load. Increase the pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations if towing a caravan, trailer or loading the vehicle – and remember to check pressures when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre!
Brakes: Your car’s brakes are an essential safety feature, and need to be checked and regularly maintained. Have a look at the brake discs and pads – if they show excessive wear, or you notice the brakes are noisy or less effective than usual, then have them checked.
Lights: Inspect and test all the vehicle lights, and those of a trailer or caravan, to make sure you have maximum visibility and can be seen by other motorists.
Windscreen: If your windscreen is cracked or damaged have it repaired or replaced, as it may compromise your vision – especially when driving it night. Check that the windscreen wipers are working properly.
Engine Bay: Check all the fluid levels, including engine oil, radiator coolant (only when the engine is cold), power steering fluid, brake fluid and the windscreen washer bottle.
Regular Maintenance: Have your car serviced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended intervals (typically between 10 000 and 20 000 km, or annually).

Preventative maintenance could make the difference between arriving safely at your destination, or being stranded on the side of the road.

Think Safety Even During the Holidays: Part 1

vuyi on November 26, 2020

With the end of 2020 comes a well-earned break after a long and extremely difficult year. In the first installment of our 3-part holiday driving series, we focus on the importance of driver attitude.

With the end of the year comes a well-earned break after a long and extremely difficult year. Typically, there’s a lot of traveling during this period. In keeping with Continental’s Vision Zero strategy that aims to reduce and eventually eliminate road traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities, we encourage all motorists and their families to play an active role in road safety this Festive Season.

One of the most importance elements of road safety is the driver and his or her attitude when behind the wheel. Follow these basics of safe holiday driving:

Rest Before You Drive: Have a good night’s rest before heading on any long journey. Around eight hours of sleep is ideal.
Don’t Drink and Drive: Drunk driving is a major contributing factor in road accidents and deaths in South Africa. Consuming just one or two drinks may put you over the legal limit. It’s simple: if you drink, don’t drive. And if you’re driving, be responsible and don’t drink!
Don’t Drive Distracted: Using a phone while driving has rapidly become one of the biggest causes of accidents around the world, and is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Use a Bluetooth car kit if necessary, and keep your eyes on the road!
Take A Break Every Two Hours: Take regular breaks throughout your trip, stopping approximately every two hours. Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents – so if you’re tired, stop to change drivers or have a rest.
Safety Belts: Safety belts must be worn by everyone in the car (both front and rear occupants), at all times. It’s your primary safety device, so don’t take chances! Young children should be strapped into an age-appropriate baby seat or a booster seat.
Speed: Stick to the stipulated speed limits throughout your journey. Speed limits are set with your safety in mind, as well as that of fellow motorists and pedestrians. Rather take it easy and enjoy the journey!
Following Distances: Maintain a 3-second following distance from the vehicle ahead, which gives you space to slow down or stop if necessary. If visibility is reduced due to rain or mist, or when driving at night, increase the gap to 6 seconds.
Keep Left, Pass Right: The age-old rule of driving remains an important one, to ensure the smoothest possible flow of traffic, and to reduce congestion and frustration in traffic. Stick to the left lane, and use the right lane for passing manouevres.
Emergency Access: If there’s an accident ahead, keep the shoulder of the road clear so that emergency vehicles can make their way to the scene as soon as possible. Clogging the entire road only leads to further delays – both for the accident victims who may need critical medical care (you never know, it could be your family or friends), and for all of the affected road users.