Xplore ZA

Stay Safe on the Roads: Essential Winter Travel Tips for Families

June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025

By Staff Writer

With schools set to close for the winter break, many South African families will be packing up for long road trips to soak up some sunshine or simply escape the cold. Sadly, this busy season often sees a spike in road accidents. At Xploreza, we keep it real – your safety matters. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road this winter.

1. Service Your Car Before You Travel
Book your vehicle in for a full safety check before your trip. Pay attention to tyres (including the spare), brakes, lights, wipers, and fluid levels. South African winters can be hard on tyres, especially with early morning frost.

**^{_{Before you hit the road, book a full safety check. Tyres (yes, even the spare), brakes, lights, wipers, and fluids all matter — especially in frosty South African winters.}}**

2. Carefully Plan Your Route and Rest Stops
Know where you’re going and schedule regular breaks every two hours. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents on long trips. Pre-plan safe, family-friendly stops where you can stretch, eat, and rest.

**^{_{Plan your route and stop every 2 hours,fatigue causes crashes. Stretch, snack, and stay sharp.}}**

3.Start Early, Arrive Safely
Try to drive during daylight hours. Visibility is poor at night, and rural roads may have pedestrians, stray animals, or potholes. Leaving early gives you time to enjoy the journey without rushing.

**^{_{Drive during daylight, better visibility, fewer risks. Early starts mean safer, more relaxed trips.}}**

4. Be Weather-Wise
Check the weather for your route. Winter mornings can bring mist, frost, or slippery roads. Drive cautiously in these conditions – reduce speed, increase following distance, and keep headlights on in poor visibility.

**^{_{Check the forecast before you go. Mist, frost, and slippery roads need slower speeds, safe distances, and headlights on}}**.

5. Keep the Kids Safe and Comfortable
Make sure children are buckled up in age-appropriate car seats. Pack snacks, entertainment, and warm blankets for the trip. Never leave children unattended in the car, even for a quick stop.

**^{_{Buckle up the little ones in proper car seats, pack snacks and blankets, and never leave them alone in the car, even for a minute.}}**

6. Stay Alert, Stay Sober
Avoid alcohol the night before and stay well-rested. Swap drivers if you can and keep hydrated, and but avoid excessive caffeine as it can lead to crashes in concentration later on.

**_{^{Stay sharp on the road: skip the booze, get good rest, and stay hydrated}}**

7. Drive Defensively
Expect the unexpected. Watch out for reckless drivers, pedestrians, livestock, and sudden roadworks. Always keep a safe following distance.