.JPG)
With the traditional festive-season rush almost underway, South Africa’s roads will once again experience sharply rising traffic volumes. Authorities are preparing for this busy holiday periods with long-distance travel, family trips, and coastal getaways all contributing to heightened congestion and increased risk.
Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is urging motorists to take extra care - particularly those towing trailers, boats or caravans. “Incorrect towing is a major contributor to serious accidents every December. A few simple checks and responsible behaviour can prevent unnecessary tragedies,” he says.
Pre-trip preparation
Ranft stresses the need to service and inspect any trailer, boat or caravan before departure. “These units often stand for months without being used. Before you hit the road, have a qualified repairer check the brakes (if fitted), electrics, lights, cables, wheel bearings and tyres. Tyres, in particular, may look fine but often develop cracks from age rather than mileage.”
He reiterates the importance of understanding towing weight limits and licence requirements. “Your licence code directly influences what you’re legally allowed to tow. Motorists should ensure they meet the legal weight-to-vehicle ratio and that the combined mass does not exceed their vehicle’s design limits. Non-compliance can result in fines, but more importantly, it puts lives at risk.”
Driving tips for safer towing
• Plan for higher fuel use: Towing can significantly increase fuel consumption. Plan fuel stops ahead of time and budget accordingly.
• Keep your speed down: “Speeding remains a leading cause of towing-related crashes,” notes Ranft. Allow for increased stopping distance and take extra care when overtaking large trucks - the air turbulence can easily destabilise an overloaded or unbalanced trailer.
• Balance the load correctly: Ensure at least 60% of the load sits ahead of the axle. Poor weight distribution is one of the most common causes of dangerous trailer sway.
• Helping others safely: Many holiday motorists try to assist stranded drivers - something Ranft supports, but with caution. “Use only approved towing equipment like tow bars or correctly rated tow ropes. Always secure equipment to proper towing points attached to the chassis,” he warns.
He also reminds motorists that a towed vehicle without power will have limited steering and braking ability, requiring clear communication and slow, controlled movements.
“Every December, families are torn apart by avoidable road incidents,” Ranft concludes. “If we all commit to responsible towing and safer driving, we can help ensure more South Africans reach their destinations and return home safely.”