As the end of the year closes in, BMW Fanatics are preparing to journey to all parts of beautiful South Africa, just remember you will be sharing the roads with millions of other South Africans, here are a few tips and pointers you should be extra vigilant about to make your holiday trip a safe and joyous one.
Driver fatigue
When setting off on a long trip don't leave too early in the morning because your body clock believes you should still be asleep. Have a 15 minute rest every 2 hours. On a long trip, especially in holiday season, there are a number of fresh stops which provide a cup of tea or coffee, so make sure you take advantage of them.
Good driving techniques:
Distance between your car & the car in front
It's a good idea to always keep a minium three seconds gap between you and the car in front. When it's raining and/or foggy double the distance to six seconds no matter what speed you're doing.
Smooth driving
Don't rush into things. Plan ahead when driving. Make early decisions on braking and accelerating. Change gears and brake smoothly to avoid skidding. This will provide a smoother drive for yourself and your passengers while also providing less wear and tear on the vehicle and helping you save on fuel costs.
Keep left unless overtaking
When driving on a dual lane road always keep to the left lane. Use the right hand lane for overtaking, turning right or when roadworks are being carried out and there is no other choice.
Indicate early
Always indicate when changing lanes, 30 metres wherever practical, to advise other motorists of what you are doing.
Expect the unexpected
Drive with your line of sight parallel to the road not looking down onto it. By doing this you see further into the distance so you can be better prepared if there is a problem ahead. It may even mean you can avoid a crash.
Overtaking
Ensure you have enough room to go past the vehicle you are overtaking and not cut them off. Pick you time carefully as overtaking can be quite dangerous and making the wrong decision may result in a serious crash.
Stopping before the intersection
Always slow down coming to an intersection especially if you are towing a van. Your braking distance will be greater than when you're not towing, so make sure you allow for this. You must stop on a stop sign/line.
Driving at night
Driving at night requires more skill & concentration than at daytime due to your restricted vision. Oncoming headlights can obscure your vision and pedestrians can be near impossible to see. Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front to allow for your reduced vision and reaction time.
Road rage
Stay relaxed and try not to let other people's driving skills or decisions worry you. If another driver makes a mistake don't get angry just concentrate on your own driving skills, behaviour and safety.
If another driver is courteous towards you, then acknowledge the good deed with a wave.
Tow check
If towing a trailer or caravan inspect:
Tyre condition and tyre inflation - including spare.
Towbar & towing equipment is secure.
All electrical connections are secure and lights work correctly.
Trailer brakes work correctly.
Rear view mirrors are adjusted correctly.
Tick the checklist:
Prepare your car - have it serviced and check that you're prepared for emergencies with a blanket, torch and first aid kit.
Prepare yourself - be rested before a long drive, plan the trip so you share the driving and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
If you plan to have a drink - plan not to drive.
If you have children in the car ensure they are in the appropriate child restraint.
If you're travelling with pets make sure they are restrained - for everybody's safety.
Share your driving tips here: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=52721
And lastly, DO NOT SPEED.
![[Image: m6-hp41.jpg]]()
Best wishes,
BMWFanatics.co.za Team.
Driver fatigue
When setting off on a long trip don't leave too early in the morning because your body clock believes you should still be asleep. Have a 15 minute rest every 2 hours. On a long trip, especially in holiday season, there are a number of fresh stops which provide a cup of tea or coffee, so make sure you take advantage of them.
Good driving techniques:
Distance between your car & the car in front
It's a good idea to always keep a minium three seconds gap between you and the car in front. When it's raining and/or foggy double the distance to six seconds no matter what speed you're doing.
Smooth driving
Don't rush into things. Plan ahead when driving. Make early decisions on braking and accelerating. Change gears and brake smoothly to avoid skidding. This will provide a smoother drive for yourself and your passengers while also providing less wear and tear on the vehicle and helping you save on fuel costs.
Keep left unless overtaking
When driving on a dual lane road always keep to the left lane. Use the right hand lane for overtaking, turning right or when roadworks are being carried out and there is no other choice.
Indicate early
Always indicate when changing lanes, 30 metres wherever practical, to advise other motorists of what you are doing.
Expect the unexpected
Drive with your line of sight parallel to the road not looking down onto it. By doing this you see further into the distance so you can be better prepared if there is a problem ahead. It may even mean you can avoid a crash.
Overtaking
Ensure you have enough room to go past the vehicle you are overtaking and not cut them off. Pick you time carefully as overtaking can be quite dangerous and making the wrong decision may result in a serious crash.
Stopping before the intersection
Always slow down coming to an intersection especially if you are towing a van. Your braking distance will be greater than when you're not towing, so make sure you allow for this. You must stop on a stop sign/line.
Driving at night
Driving at night requires more skill & concentration than at daytime due to your restricted vision. Oncoming headlights can obscure your vision and pedestrians can be near impossible to see. Leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front to allow for your reduced vision and reaction time.
Road rage
Stay relaxed and try not to let other people's driving skills or decisions worry you. If another driver makes a mistake don't get angry just concentrate on your own driving skills, behaviour and safety.
If another driver is courteous towards you, then acknowledge the good deed with a wave.
Tow check
If towing a trailer or caravan inspect:
Tyre condition and tyre inflation - including spare.
Towbar & towing equipment is secure.
All electrical connections are secure and lights work correctly.
Trailer brakes work correctly.
Rear view mirrors are adjusted correctly.
Tick the checklist:
Prepare your car - have it serviced and check that you're prepared for emergencies with a blanket, torch and first aid kit.
Prepare yourself - be rested before a long drive, plan the trip so you share the driving and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
If you plan to have a drink - plan not to drive.
If you have children in the car ensure they are in the appropriate child restraint.
If you're travelling with pets make sure they are restrained - for everybody's safety.
Share your driving tips here: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=52721
And lastly, DO NOT SPEED.
![[Image: m6-hp41.jpg]](http://theadsgarage.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/m6-hp41.jpg)
Best wishes,
BMWFanatics.co.za Team.