The 2024 festive season is underway and many Zimbabweans will still travel to destinations across the country. Here’s some important information to know before you take to the road!
The Christmas holiday season is upon us and many holidaymakers will be heading out onto Zimbabwean roads to destinations around the country for relaxation. More so, traffic volumes on all major routes are also expected to increase over this period. As a road user, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you do what is necessary to get you and your family to your destination safely.
Busy holiday periods are a notoriously dangerous time to be on the road and every year, hundreds and thousands of lives are lost on our roads. With planning and preparation, you needn’t become a statistic… To help you prepare for your trip, we have compiled a list of holiday tips for you to consider before you depart, along with the necessary emergency numbers should you need them.
Things to do before leaving for the holiday
Make sure your car is in full working order before you depart
- Check that your brakes, fluid levels, and all your lights and indicators are working properly. This is particularly important for older used cars.
- Be sure that you have a spare tyre as well as a wheel spanner and car jack in case you need to change a tyre
- Check that all your tyres, including the spare, are inflated correctly and have sufficient tread.
- Be sure that all seatbelts and baby seats are in working order and the correct size.
- Have your car serviced if necessary.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan
- Ensure the rearview mirrors on your car are properly adjusted.
- Check the tyre pressure of the trailer/caravan’s tyres.
- Check that the lights and indicators of the trailer/caravan are working correctly.
- Ensure the towbar and the towing equipment are secure.
Plan your route.
- Be sure you know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Getting lost can be very dangerous, as well as time-consuming. Use the website Google Maps or conventional maps to check and plan your route.
- Make sure you have the necessary cash available for any toll roads and fuel.
- Let a friend or loved one know where you are going, what route you are taking, and what your estimated time of arrival will be. Also, let your family know when you have arrived at your destination safely.
- Plan your stops carefully and book accommodation in advance if required. Getting accommodation en route can be difficult during the peak holiday season.
- Check the weather report before you embark on your journey
- Take note of potential roadworks along your route and plan accordingly.
- If you get stopped at a roadblock, Know Your Roadblock Rights
Additional important items to have in the car
- 2-litre bottle of water (for emergency drinking, or to be used for the car if necessary)
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Motor oil
- Food
- A fully-charged cell phone
- Cell phone car charger
- Traditional map, or GPS navigation system, or both
- Emergency triangle and a flashlight
Get your documents in order.
- If you have a Drive Zimbabwe Membership, make sure it has been renewed.
- Check your car insurance policy and be aware of exactly what is covered, what emergency services they provide, and what their emergency numbers are.
- If you are crossing any borders, make sure your passport or other required documents are up to date and that you have them with you.
Things to consider while on the road
General driving rules
- KEEP LEFT, PASS RIGHT.
- Do not overload your vehicle.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Don’t use your cell phone while driving. Always use a hands-free kit or connect your phone via Bluetooth.
- Avoid distracted driving including eating while driving etc.
- Every person in the car must be wearing a seatbelt.
Avoid fatigue while driving
- Take breaks often or every 200 km.
- If you are feeling tired, rather find a place to rest and do the trip in multiple phases.
- The effects of caffeine and other stimulants used to keep you awake are only temporary. People often feel more tired once the initial effects wear off. Use such stimulants carefully, and remember they are not a substitute for quality rest.
Why Roadside Assistance is Not a Luxury Anymore, it’s a Necessity.
Protect your fleet/car on the road.
The business we are in requires us to be 100% operational to be profitable in a very competitive landscape. Emergency roadside assistance offers quick, cost-effective coverage, whether a truck needs a fuel delivery or has a flat tyre. With its integrated approach, roadside assistance from Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance can be a game-changer for your business. When the world is quickly moving towards connected vehicles, connected people, and connected work, having an integrated solution is critical to business
Benefits of roadside assistance for fleets
With roadside assistance, professional help for your drivers is just a phone call or WhatsApp away. Your organization and your fleet can instantly benefit from:
- The ability to keep drivers safe with 24/7 on-demand roadside assistance
- The power to get drivers back on the road as quickly as possible
- Savings on the costs associated with vehicle downtime and service fees
- Peace of mind knowing vehicles on the road have help waiting
- Roadside assistance for all vehicles within a fleet, including commercial trucks, light and heavy-duty vehicles, cars, vans, and more
With us, you can expect Quicker, Quality, Cost- Effective Service… Always. Anytime, anywhere in Zimbabwe. 0780 579 261/0718 084 297 / 0736 523 424 Email: info@drivezim.co.zw for immediate assistance. The DZRA team wishes you a safe and wonderful festive season. Please drive safely and take care on the roads. See you in 2025! https://www.facebook.com/105600827733427