Driving in South Africa
Basic road rules:
South Africans drive on the left side of the road
Legal driving age is 18
Keep safe following distances
Do not drink and drive
Do not speed
It is illegal to operate a mobile phone whilst driving
It is illegal to drive without your seat belt
General driving tips:
Check vehicle at the start of each day that it has enough oil and water, that all indicators and lights are functional and that tyre pressure is adequate
Drive when possible, with your vehicle doors locked and the windows closed
If approached by a stranger, do not open your windows completely
Do not pick up strangers and hitchhikers
Place all packages and personal items in the trunk of your vehicle
If possible avoid travelling at night
Driving on South Africa's national roads:
While driving, keep to the left and pass on the right
All the national roads in South Africa have petrol-stations with restaurants, restrooms and shops dispersed along the route, so use them to freshen-up on the long drives
It is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers
Driving on safari, gravel roads and off-road:
Excessive speed is the main cause of traffic accidents on gravel roads. It is therefore advisable to keep to the prescribed speed limit of 60-70 km/h
If using four-wheel drive vehicles, engage the 4x4 when appropriate
Observe and obey all road traffic signs
Observe and obey all nature reserve rules and regulations
Do not feed animals from your car (baboons are very common along the Cape Town's scenic drives)
In dusty conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers
In wet/rainy conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers
Always reduce speed when your vehicle approaches a dip or wash-away or patches of drift-sand
Always be aware and on the lookout for animals
Fuel (Petrol, Gas):
Petrol-stations (also called 'garages') are widespread across South Africa's cities and national roads
When travelling through South Africa's neighboring countries, petrol-station are more scarce, so be prepared
Leaded and unleaded fuel are available
Fuel prices as regulated by the government and are roughly the same price at all petrol-stations
Service at petrol stations is provided by petrol attendants. Tipping is at your own discretion
On long trips, use fuel-stops as an opportunity to relax and freshen-up.
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