Complete your travel checklist with the AA

Are you travel ready? Before you head off for the festive season, make sure that you are fully prepared for your trip – whether you are planning on an exotic overseas experience or exploring out beautiful home country!

For many South Africans, the December summer break means road-tripping along one of our national highways. It’s one of the busiest times on our roads and by default, one of the most frustrating times for motorists. As thousands of people embark on their well-deserved Christmas holidays, congestion escalates and impatience mounts, leading to irritation, road rage, reckless driving, and ultimately road accidents.

Plan your trip properly, prepare your vehicle for you and your family’s safety and, most importantly, have the right attitude when you are driving.

Avoid the rush.

Look at the planning of your trip and avoid the rush days when there is bound to be heavier traffic on the roads. If possible, leave a day sooner, or a day later. Do the same for the return leg of your journey.

Make sure your car is in good shape.

If your vehicle needs a service, book it in as soon as possible. Don’t risk your holiday plans by having a towed vehicle break down due to bad planning or non-servicing.

Don’t get stuck next to the road.

Go further with the AA. Our roadside assistance benefits include: Roadside and emergency medical assist, towing services, battery assist, 10L out-of-fuel when you get stuck next to the road, and AA assistance with accommodation or car hire for breakdowns over 100km from home.

Check your tyres.

Inspect tyres (including the spare tyre) and make sure they have sufficient tread for the road ahead. Tyres are a key safety feature on vehicles; they are the only thing between the vehicle and the road, and because of this, ensuring their continued good condition is vital. Any tyres that are bald, or under or over inflated, can be dangerous.

Obey the rules.

Obey all the rules of the road, and drive to the conditions. If the road is marked 120km but visibility is poor, decrease your speed to ensure clear vision of the road ahead

Be considerate.

Remember everyone has a right to be on the road.
 

Be prepared.

Always have water, a first aid kit, and a mobile phone charger in your car for emergencies.
 

Get protection for when you’re not at home.

AA Armed Response provides you with protection, even when you’re travelling. Get the peace-of-mind knowing the AA is looking after you and your loved ones for R35 per person/dependant. AA Members pay R25 per person.