Plan ahead, stay alert: Essential safety tips for long-weekend travel

Plan ahead, stay alert: Essential safety tips for long-weekend travel

With Heritage Day falling on Thursday, 24 September 2026, South Africans who take Friday, 25 September, off could turn the public holiday into a four-day long weekend – creating the perfect opportunity for a road trip, family getaway or visit to friends and relatives.

The long weekend also coincides with the school holidays, which is expected to result in increased traffic volumes and more vehicles on the roads. Motorists are therefore urged to plan ahead, remain vigilant and prioritise safety throughout their journey.

“Taking a few simple precautions before and during your journey can help ensure that you arrive safely and enjoy the long weekend,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity Services Group.

Before you hit the road, check your vehicle

A safe road trip starts with a basic vehicle inspection. Before departing, motorists should check their tyres and tyre pressure, including the spare wheel, brakes and brake fluid, oil and coolant levels, headlights, brake lights and indicators, windscreen wipers and washer fluid.

Drivers should also ensure they have sufficient fuel, emergency equipment and a fully charged mobile phone.

Make sure your vehicle tracking system is operational

If your vehicle is fitted with a tracking system, ensure that it is working correctly before you leave. Motorists should also familiarise themselves with any emergency, roadside assistance or recovery services available through their provider.

Plan your journey before you leave

Long-weekend traffic can result in congestion, delays and significantly longer travelling times. Plan your route in advance and consider alternative routes where appropriate.

It is also important to identify suitable places to stop, refuel and take breaks rather than waiting until you are tired or running low on fuel.

Be extra vigilant when stopping

Criminals can take advantage of distracted motorists, particularly at intersections, fuel stations, shopping centres and unfamiliar areas.

Keep vehicle doors locked, and windows closed where appropriate, avoid displaying valuables and remain aware of your surroundings whenever you stop.

Think carefully before sharing your travel plans online

Avoid publicly announcing that your home will be unattended or sharing details of extended absences on social media.

Before leaving, ensure that your security system is activated and, where necessary, ask a trusted person to keep an eye on your property while you are away.

Avoid distractions behind the wheel

Distracted driving remains a serious safety risk. Set your navigation before leaving, avoid texting or browsing while driving, and allow a passenger to manage your phone if necessary.

A few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences.

Hattingh also urges motorists to remain vigilant when visiting shopping centres and malls during the long weekend.

“Please consider that criminal elements may also be flocking to these busy public spaces. Your personal safety should be a key priority no matter where you go.”

Parking areas can provide criminals with opportunities to observe motorists and identify potential targets. “This could be a woman alone or with children, or an elderly person. It is also easy for criminals to sit in a vehicle and observe their surroundings without attracting attention,” she says.

Motorists should be particularly alert to remote-jamming incidents, where criminals interfere with a vehicle’s remote locking signal to prevent it from locking.

“Always check that your car is in fact locked before walking away,” Hattingh advises.

Protect yourself against vehicle theft and theft out of motor vehicles

Motorists should keep the following precautions in mind:

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

  This applies in public parking areas and even when parking on the street outside a property. Report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities or security personnel

• Do not leave valuables in an unattended vehicle.

  If items must be left in the vehicle, ensure they are securely stored out of sight, preferably in the boot

• Never simply press the remote locking device and walk away.

  Physically check that your vehicle is locked by testing the door handle

• Check that your boot is properly locked

  before leaving the vehicle

• Avoid shopping or visiting isolated areas late at night

  where possible

• Be particularly vigilant when loading shopping bags or other items into your vehicle

  , as this can provide an opportunity for criminals to target distracted motorists.

“Our wish is that people remember a few basic personal safety precautions and make them part of their daily lives,” says Hattingh.

“Whether you’re travelling across the country or simply visiting family in the next town, the goal is to reach your destination safely. Check your vehicle, plan your route, stay focused behind the wheel and make sure your tracking system is ready before you leave.”