State the section of the law that backs long distance driving?

Masterofbooksdirected

6 years ago

What is long distance driving?
Most international road safety authorities advise that
drivers take a break from driving after 2 hours / 200km.
It would be fair to refer to long distance driving as
distances in a range covering 300km or a drive further
than 3 hours.
South African drivers often travel distances during Easter
and the Festive Season from the inland provinces to the
coast varying anything from 500km to 1,500km. Long
distance driving requires exceptional vigilance and some
experts on safe driving have suggested that a driver
should avoid driving more than 10 hours in a day.
A few Important Questions to Consider:
Before making the decision to climb behind the wheel for
a long distance drive we suggest asking the following
questions
Are you familiar with the road and road conditions you
might encounter?
Are you driving alone?
Will you be driving at night/ can night driving be
avoided?
Will you be driving you own car or a rental car?
Are you prepared for the additional challenges to
driver and vehicle fitness?
The Challenges of Driving Long Distances
It is important to recognize some of the unique
challenges to long distance driving. Among these are:
Not being familiar with the specific road and road
works / detours in an area.
Different road conditions to what the driver may be
used to such as having to drive in mountains /
mountain passes / gravel roads etc.
Driving in challenging conditions not previously
experienced such as driving on snow / ice, in fog etc.
Driving through different jurisdictions / cross border
with different road signage.
Driving at night and encountering the risk of animals
crossing the roads in rural areas.
Driving with additional baggage / towing a trailer.
Driving long distances with vulnerable passengers -
child passengers, passengers with medical conditions
or suffering from motion sickness etc.
Safety Advice when Driving long distances
We would like to share a few suggestions with drivers
embarking on long distance driving.
Planning the Long Distance Drive
Always do your research and planning on the road to
the destination, road works and aspects that could
delay your expected time of arrival.
A GPS is a very handy device not only to find the
route and re-route but also to help you locate fuel,
food, and other essential services.
Even if you have a GPS device or map application on
your cellular phone, consider having a plan B such as
prior research / planning and a good map.
Keep an eye and an ear on weather predictions, route
updates and traffic alerts on the radio.
There may be a several websites and Twitter handles
covering traffic along your route, providing information
worth checking when you are not driving [Or done by a
passenger].
Plan well ahead for fuel stops. Avoid any attempt at
driving near to empty. Rather fill up regularly.
Always obey traffic signs – there is a reason why you
may be warned about animals or antelope crossing
the roads.
Try to avoid driving at night, especially if you plan to
divert from the main roads.
Drive with comfortable clothing and footwear.
The Vehicle and Roadworthiness
Roadworthiness is not only a legal requirement but a
necessity for long distance driving.
Before you accept the challenge of a long distance
drive it is advised to have the vehicle thoroughly
checked by a trained mechanic.
An effective maintenance check should include a focus
on tyre tread depth, tyre pressures and engine &
brake oil.
Check your lights, indicators, wiper blades, horn and
radio.
Check that the spare tyre is in good condition with the
correct tyre pressure and that all the tools are
available should you need to do a tyre / wheel
change.
Keep the windshield / windows clean. Bring a bottle
of window cleaner and paper towels to ensure that
windows and lights are clear at all times.
If you’re driving a rental car, familiarise yourself with
how it drives and all its equipment before you start
your trip. [check that the charger works]
The same applies for the co-driver if you are to share
the drive.
Do not overload the vehicle.
The Driver and Driver Fitness for long distance travel
Being behind the steering wheel for several hours will
challenge both body and mind! The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration estimates that sleepiness
contributes to 100,000 accidents and 1,500 fatalities
each year in the U.S.
Sleepiness slows reaction times, decreases awareness,
and impairs judgment.
The best way to start is having a good night of
uninterrupted sleep.
If you start the journey tired, it’s likely that you’ll
remain fatigued throughout your trip.
It is best to know where your planned stops are and
to know that your accommodation for the night is
sorted.
Avoid putting yourself under pressure having to make
up time for delays on the route.
Do not fight driver fatigue by continuing to drive when
tired – You will lose!
Pull over regularly to freshen up and stretch your
legs. Stopping once every 200km or every two hours
is good advice.
Your body, your passengers [or pets] and your vehicle
deserve a rest from driving.
Park at a safe and well - lit rest stop in the vicinity of
the public eye to avoid becoming a victim of criminal
activity.
Avoid consuming heavy foods at the rest stop.
If you are to sit stationary for several hours at a time
behind the steering wheel, heavy foods in your
stomach will leave you feeling bloated and lethargic.
Share the drive if possible, allowing you to remain
rested and able to fully concentrate.
Sharing the driving with a driving buddy is an
excellent way to keep you entertained and stress free.
Be extra cautious when driving at night: The National
Sleep Foundation tell us that, “adults’ strongest sleep
drive generally occurs between 2:00-4:00am,” and
that this dip in our wakefulness will be even stronger
if we are sleep deprived.
Keep the car cool and well ventilated.
Pack car-friendly items for long distance travel
Which items could make your long distance drive more
enjoyable and relieve some of the stress?
Remember to pack a hands-free device for your
mobile phone to prevent distracted driving.
Always have some change ready for toll fees.
Do not forget the car charger – some high speed
chargers can keep your GPS and cellular phone
powered for any emergency.
Pack healthy snacks and a cooler with cold drinks /
water. Avoid foods that melt or are messy.
Bring wet wipes and have easy-to-access trash bags
inside the car.
You may wish to pack toys for the younger passengers,
books and music for the car.
If your passengers are not accustomed to travelling
long distances you should consider having motion
sickness medication at hand.
Breakdowns and Preparedness for Emergencies
Despite the best planning there may be incidents and
emergency situations that are unavoidable. A few
suggestions for peace of mind not only for yourself but
also for your loved ones would include:
Always having a fully charged cellular phone at hand.
Telling someone when you’re travelling, and the
approximate time they should expect you.
Take breaks to pull over and text or call them to let
them know the journey is going ok or whether there
are delays.
Always have a container with water for emergencies –
either to drink or to clean the hands or the windscreen.
Keep a set of jumper cables and extra fluids for the
car (such as windshield wiper fluid) in your trunk.
Prepare for unexpected breakdowns with gloves, a
flashlight, and some basic hand tools.
An inexpensive raincoat is invaluable should a wheel
change be required in bad weather.
Pack a first-aid emergency kit, pillow, blanket and a
roll of toilet paper.
Consider investing in roadside assistance.
Be aware of emergency and roadside assistance
benefits available to you through your car insurance
policy.
Cellular technology and long distance driving
Cellular technology and easy access to the internet have
made a significant contribution to long distance travel.
Although the threats to road safety through distracted
driving are well published, there are also many benefits
a cellular phone offers to the safety of the road user. A
cellular phone will allow the driver
To use mapping technology on the route.
To stay informed of road closures, detours or seek
alternative accommodation.
To request emergency assistance.
To inform loved ones of progress and location during
the journey etc.