AA Blogs
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Common fuel myths, busted!
Skills every new driver should have
Apart from basic driving skills – which you would have mastered before obtaining your driving licence – there are other important skills each new driver should possess. Learn them now and they will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life. Finding the correct driving position Adjusting your car seat is about more than just getting comfortable; it is also about ensuring good visibility,...
Child seats and what the legal liabilities are
A simple internet search will show you the devastating effects of a motor vehicle crash on an unrestrained child. The Constitution of South Africa states the best interests of children are of paramount importance in every matter concerning them. As drivers, this is a principle we should keep in mind when we drive with a child passenger Regulation 213 of the National Road Traffic Act regulates...
Motorists obligations towards pedestrians and cyclists
The National Road Traffic Act sets out certain obligations for motorists sharing the roads with pedestrians and cyclists. Motorists should always be vigilant, and keep a lookout for pedestrians and cyclists who are among South Africa’s most vulnerable road users. Our roads belong to all users and are not just for the exclusive use of those behind the wheel of a car. One of the obligations of...
How do you know if your car is roadworthy?
10 ways to save money on a new car
Beat the traffic in SA’s most congested cities
SA’s most congested cities Cape Town (ranked 45th in the world) Johannesburg (ranked 70th in the world) East London Pretoria Durban Bloemfontein Average time lost in traffic Cape Town – 42 minutes per day, 163 hours per year Johannesburg – 37 minutes per day, 141 hours per year East London – 32 minutes per day, 121 hours per year Rush hour traffic equals extra travel time Cape Town...
Highway Driving Tips
Driving on a highway, even in the best weather, is a daunting undertaking, especially for novice drivers. When the weather is bad some drivers become anxious, and seem to forget the basics of highway driving. Drivers who are anxious, or drivers who disrespect the rules of the road, cause problems for other drivers. Driving on a highway requires skill and patience, especially when you know there...
See & be seen: tips for bikers, cyclists & pedestrians
Pedestrians Wear reflective clothing or reflective sashes Stay on the pavement where possible Walk facing oncoming traffic Cross roads at demarcated and safe spots Be extra careful at night and in dimly lit areas Motorcyclists Wear reflective items or clothing Keep the motorcycle’s headlight on Stay out of the blind spots of other road users Leave enough room to manoeuvre – don’t tailgate or...
How to survive 6 motoring emergencies
From an accident to a late-night hijacking, all motorists must be prepared to handle emergencies. Traffic accident Being involved in an accident can be a very traumatic experience. Here are the steps you should follow. First and foremost, if you are not injured and are out of harm’s way, you should determine if anyone has been hurt and contact emergency services. You should then obtain as much...
Drive, don’t talk
Distracted driving remains a problem in South Africa, and will continue to remain so into the future unless drastic action is taken. And, while stricter law enforcement is needed, it’s the attitude of motorists which needs the biggest change. Various studies throughout the world have shown that when drivers are distracted, their ability to operate a vehicle properly is impaired. But the problem...
Business survival – Risk & Disaster
Risk management is a process whereby businesses plan for possible disasters which can negatively impact on them. It’s about reviewing the threats to assets, people, facilities, supply chain logistics, reputation, data, and access control, and then honestly evaluating these threats. It’s not possible to be in total control over every threat to a business, but prioritizing disaster likelihoods...