By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Last Thursday, on our way to Durban, what should have been a smooth drive turned into a gruelling experience. We were stuck for over four hours on Van Reenen Pass after a horrific crash that claimed more than eight lives. The road was completely closed, and when we eventually took a detour through Bergville, that route was blocked too.
Hours of idling cars, frustrated motorists could have turned deadly. Fortunately, the weather was cool, and we were going nowhere slowly. But as I sat in the car, I couldn’t help thinking about how easily this could have been worse. The deadly combination of heat, overloading, and speeding is all too common on the N3 and other roads throughout our country. With the festive season around the corner, it’s a warning we can’t afford to ignore. If motorists don’t prepare in advance and anticipate dangerous situations, we’ll continue seeing road closures like this one, and worse, more lives lost.
Check Your Tyres Before Your Trip
Hot weather causes the air inside tyres to expand, which can lead to bursts, especially if the tyres are worn or overinflated. Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually on the driver’s door frame or in the manual). Look out for cracks or bulges, they’re signs your tyres are ready to be replaced.
Don’t Ignore Tyre Expiry Dates
I must confess that I did not know that tyres have a shelf life, just like food. This is typically six years from the manufacturing date, printed on the sidewall. Look for the last four digits in the DOT code, for example, “3219” means the tyre was made in the 32nd week of 2019. If your tyres are older than six years, replace them even if they look fine.
Keep Your Load Light And Balanced
Overloading stresses your suspension, brakes, and tyres, making mechanical failure more likely. Stick to your vehicle’s load capacity (check your manual). Distribute luggage evenly and, if you’re towing, make sure the trailer is balanced and roadworthy. An unsteady trailer at high speed can cause a fatal rollover.
Respect The Heat
Engines and tyres don’t perform well under extreme temperatures, and summer traffic jams make it worse. Before travelling, check coolant and oil levels. If your temperature gauge starts climbing, switch off the air conditioning, pull over safely, and allow the engine to cool before opening the bonnet.
Speed Kills More In Summer
Softened tar, thinner air, and heavier traffic create conditions ripe for disaster. Add frustration or fatigue, and it’s a deadly mix. Stick to speed limits, not just to avoid fines, but to give yourself time to react to sudden stops, debris, or slow-moving trucks.
Watch For Fatigue And Frustration
Hours in traffic test even the calmest drivers. Impatience often leads to poor decisions. Plan rest stops every two to three hours. Stretch, hydrate, and take a breather. Calm drivers make safer choices.
Listen To Your Tyres
Strange vibrations or pulling can signal tyre problems before they become disasters. Stop safely and inspect. A quick check could save your life and someone else’s. The tragic accident on Van Reenen was a stark reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
As we head into the festive season, don’t let heat, load, and speed work against you. Prepare, check, and listen; your tyres might just be trying to save your life.
