AA Blogs

Learning to drive used to be a rite of passage for young people. But the gradual improvement of public transport in South Africa, along with the rise of ride-sharing services, means that a driving licence is less of a necessity than it used to be for previous generations. But, it is still useful to have a driving licence though. If you have access to a car, a licence is an easy way to get around...

With almost 15 000 hijackings and 60 000 vehicles stolen in South Africa in 2016 alone, there is a good chance that the second-hand car you are considering buying could be stolen - particularly if one considers the fact that approximately half of these stolen and hijacked vehicles are sold back into the local market. It comes as no surprise then that many unsuspecting motorists have their...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...