As thousands of South Africans hit the roads to return home after the festive season, motorists have been warned to pay closer attention to how their vehicles are packed. Arrive Alive said drivers often focus on tyre pressure, fuel levels and engine checks, while overlooking the impact luggage has on a vehicle’s handling, braking and overall roadworthiness. “There is a multitude of factors affecting the roadworthiness of your vehicle, but how you pack for a road trip is often neglected,” Arrive Alive said.
“Overloading and poor packing can reduce driving performance and increase stopping distances.” Arrive Alive advised motorists to plan their packing carefully and avoid last-minute decisions made under pressure. “It is best to pack most of the luggage the evening before departure to prevent thoughtless jamming of items when everyone is in a rush,” it said. Drivers are encouraged to consider potential roadside emergencies and ensure that essentials such as a spare tyre, emergency triangle and first-aid kit remain accessible.
“Remember: last in, first out. Pack items in the order they may need to be accessed,” Arrive Alive advised. The road safety body stressed that the rules of the road must always be obeyed when packing a vehicle.
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“The safety of passengers and adherence to seatbelt and child car seat laws must be the first priority,” Arrive Alive said. Motorists are urged to familiarise themselves with their vehicle’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) or Maximum Permitted Weight (MPW), which includes passengers, cargo and roof loads.
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