The journey begins! Wherever you’re headed this Easter, safety comes first. When you arrive, let’s create a wave—post with reaching the destination safely is the best reward for any motorist! Let us be kind and courteous to our fellow road users and remember that road safety is a team activity – let us help each other to ease the frustrations of heavy traffic and help and allow everyone to arrive alive at their destinations.
The approaching Easter long weekend will see a surge in traffic volumes on major routes in the country, and the Roadside Assistance Towing and Breakdown organization Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance http://www.facebook.com/105600827733427 urges motorists to be especially vigilant on the roads for their own and other road users’ safety. The long weekend begins on Good Friday, April 18, and ends on Monday, April 21.
“Sadly, the increase in traffic over the Easter break also leads to an increase in the number of fatal crashes and road fatalities over this period. While traffic law enforcement is enhanced during this weekend, many road users continue to disobey the rules of the road, and disregard their own and other road users’ safety. We, therefore, urge motorists, those on motorbikes, and pedestrians to be mindful of the increase in traffic volumes and to ensure they are cautious and always focused on the road when traveling,” says Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance.
Guide to travelling by car this Easter….How can I prepare my car for travel?
If you’re part of the 81% of drivers that rarely or never check your car before a long trip, it is even more important for you to do your necessary car checks now. They can reduce the likelihood of a breakdown over the Easter period. Drive Zim recommends you follow our FORCES guidance:
F. is for FUEL – Ensure you have enough fuel for your journey. Cars use more fuel in heavy traffic and during start/stop conditions, which can be regular occurrences.
O. is for OIL – To avoid engine damage and a potential breakdown, remember to check your oil level and top up when necessary.
R. is for RUBBER – Your tyres can tell you a lot about how your car is performing. If they aren’t wearing evenly, then tyre pressures may be mismatched, or there could be a fault with the steering. Check that all four tyres have at least 3mm of tread and are inflated to the correct pressure – this is vital to maintaining good grip in wet conditions.
C. is for COOLANT – Make sure it’s topped up to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended levels and contains the right amount of anti-freeze.
E. is for ELECTRICS – Check all of your lights are working correctly, including your indicators, brake lights and fog lights – and replace any faulty bulbs or blown fuses.
S. is for SCREENWASH – Top up your windscreen washer fluid by using a good quality screen wash that is effective at all temperatures.
Top tips from Drive Zim Rescuers on avoiding a breakdown
“Put simply, a well-maintained car is much less likely to break down than one that hasn’t been looked after. So, if you have a big drive coming up and suspect something on your car’s not quite right, then get it into a good garage as soon as you can this week.”
“Keep your locking wheel nut somewhere you can easily find it, as this makes it quicker for us to do a tyre change if needed. Make sure that everything fixed to the outside of your car – bikes, roof boxes – are properly secured. If you’re travelling with a dog, again, ensure it’s secure inside and has some food and water.
“Check your tyres every time, especially the inside front edges. You can fully lock the steering one way or the other, so you can see the condition of your front tyres easily. And whatever you do, don’t start a journey with a known problem!” –
What key things should I do before I travel?
Planning your trip is just as important as the trip itself. We recommend the following:
- Plan your journey with a map, a sat-nav or a route planner to ensure you do not have any navigation problems on your journey. If possible, plan your journey for when roads are likely to be quieter and remember that it’s important for your safety to take breaks on longer journeys
- Let your hosts know when you’re setting out. It’s always worth letting those you’re visiting know when you’re leaving and when you expect to arrive
Protect your loved ones on the road with our simple, all-inclusive breakdown cover.
If you are considering signing up and would like to add your partner for FREE to your membership for the next 12 months, we suggest you do so TODAY. Whilst we have held our core product price at 2024 levels, despite the soaring inflation, we will be charging a small premium for new memberships which add a member partner to the membership.
Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance is a beacon of hope for those stranded on the roads and surrounding areas. The services offered may vary with other players in the industry, but DZRA is the ideal breakdown cover provider if you’re looking for a simple experience that won’t break the Bank. Call us or WhatsApp at 0780 579 261/0718 084 297 / 0736 523 424 Office 0242 339718 Email: info@drivezim.co.zw now for all your roadside emergencies.