As Easter weekend approaches and schools being to close for the Ester break, South Africans will be leaving to go on holiday or visit families. Yet, every Easter, the results of this are devastating. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) consistently records Easter as the second deadliest period on South African roads.
Hundreds of fatalities are recorded over just four days. MasterDrive’s CEO, Eugene Herbert, expands: “What often does not get enough attention is the practical, road-specific tools that can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. As you prepare for your Easter trip, ensure you have these five essentials packed.”
- A tyre pressure gauge
Tyre blowouts remain a major cause of accidents in South Africa, particularly along long stretches of the N1, N2 and N3 during peak periods. “Many drivers assume their tyres are in good condition simply because they look fine or because the tyre pressure monitoring system has not issued an alert.
“Yet, a tyre can be dangerously underinflated without showing visible signs. Compounding the risk, filling station pressure gauges are notoriously unreliable. Do not solely depend on them. An inexpensive pressure gauge, used before departure and checked regularly throughout a trip, can make a critical difference. It costs far less than the consequences of neglect,” says Herbert.
- Download offline GPS
Cell signal drops in areas like the Hex River Mountains, the Drakensberg foothills and along long stretches of the Eastern Cape. “When it does, drivers unfamiliar with the route make sudden decisions.
“Unexpected U-turns, last-minute lane changes, or stopping on the road shoulder are common crash triggers. A downloaded offline map keeps you navigating confidently through dead zones,” says Herbert.
- Tyre sealant or portable compressor
A flat tyre on a busy holiday route is not just an inconvenience but a hazard. “Many newer vehicles no longer have a spare wheel, and waiting for roadside assistance on a public holiday can take hours with traffic flying past. A can of tyre sealant or a compact 12V compressor can change that.
“If you have a ‘biscuit’ spare tyre or run flats, read the owner’s manual to ensure you understand the limitations of these wheels and do not exceed this,” says Herbert.
- A warning triangle and reflective vest
This is legally required but frequently absent. “If you need to stop in an emergency, these items are essential to ensuring you are visible, especially at night. Place the triangle at least 30 metres behind your vehicle on highways to give drivers plenty of time to react,” says Herbert.
- Power banks or charging cords
Ensure you have a full battery in case of an emergency. “Reserve a power bank solely for the road. Alternatively, ensure you have a working charging cord that suits the charging port in the vehicle,” says Herbert.
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