By Staff Writer
As the holidays come to a close, many South Africans are packing up and heading back home this week. Inboxes are slowly filling up, and reality returns in earnest next week. For now, South Africa’s major routes are busy with tired travellers, excited children, and that familiar mix of eagerness and fatigue that comes with the end of a break. This is often the most overlooked part of any holiday: the drive home.
Traffic volumes are high, patience is thin, and many drivers are running on less sleep than usual. Add to that the pressure to “just get home”, and the roads can feel tense. The key message? Slow down, not just your speed, but your mindset too.
Plan for the long haul.
If you can, avoid peak travel times. Leaving earlier or later than the rush can make a noticeable difference. Build buffer time into your journey so you’re not tempted to rush, overtake unnecessarily, or drive aggressively.
Rest is not optional.
Holiday fun often means late nights and early mornings. Fatigue impairs reaction time just as much as alcohol. If you feel heavy-eyed, stiff, or irritable, it’s your body asking for a break. Pull over, stretch, grab a coffee, or swap drivers if possible. A 15-minute stop can change everything.
Expect impatience, don’t absorb it.
You may encounter drivers weaving through traffic, tailgating, or using their indicators excessively. Don’t engage. Keep left, maintain your pace, and let them pass. Your goal is not to prove a point, but to arrive home safely.
Children need comfort too.
Long drives are tough on little passengers. Regular stops, snacks, water, and simple entertainment go a long way in keeping the cabin calm and focused. A settled car is a safer car.
Stick to what you know.
Use navigation apps for traffic alerts, but avoid last-minute detours through unfamiliar back roads just to save a few minutes. Well-lit, known routes are often the safer choice, especially as daylight fades.
Remember why you’re travelling.
Every car on the road holds someone’s family, story, and destination. Courtesy, patience, and calm decision-making matter now more than ever.
The holidays don’t end at checkout or the final beach walk, they end when you pull into your driveway. Take your time, look out for one another, and let safety be the last good decision of your break.
Safe travels, and welcome home.
