Winter road trips: Adventure beckons, but safety must come first

As winter school holidays begin, many South African families are setting off in search of snowy mountains, charming country towns, and coastal escapes. But while the open road offers adventure, it also comes with increased danger, particularly in winter.

South Africa has again been ranked the most dangerous country in the world to drive in, according to driver-education platform Zutobi’s 2024 report on the World’s Safest and Most Dangerous Roads. Local data supports this: Stats SA attributes many accidents to human error, poor infrastructure, vehicle defects, and environmental conditions.

Xolisa Bangazi, Managing Director of PEG, part of JSE-listed KAL Group, warns that motorists often underestimate the risk.

“Winter holidays bring a welcome sense of escape for many families. But too often, drivers fail to appreciate just how quickly conditions on the road can change. What looks like a harmless patch of mist or a picture-perfect snowfall can quickly turn dangerous,” says Bangazi.

He points to treacherous conditions such as snow, fog, rain, and black ice, particularly on mountain passes in the Western Cape and high-altitude roads in the Free State and Eastern Cape. Just last month, heavy snowfall and rain caused flooding, road closures, and several accidents in the Eastern Cape.

“Drivers often don’t realise how little traction they have until it’s too late,” he says. “And overconfidence in vehicle capabilities, like relying on four-wheel drive, can actually increase the danger if people don’t adjust their driving.”

PEG’s roadside teams regularly assist motorists caught out by poor planning. “At our forecourts, we regularly assist customers who’ve neglected the basics, bald tyres, faulty windscreen wipers, even missing spares,” says Bangazi.

He offers several practical tips: plan routes in advance, check local conditions, avoid travel during heavy rain or snowfall, use real-time navigation tools, and make regular rest stops. “Fuel stations today are not just places to fill up, they are vital convenience hubs for rest, refreshment, and safety,” he says.

Bangazi adds: “Know when to turn back. A delayed arrival is always better than a dangerous journey.”

“Whether you're chasing misty mountain mornings or coastal sunsets, a well-planned road trip can help you make the most of South Africa’s winter wonders, safely,” he concludes.

THE MERCURY