Unfortunately, loadshedding has become completely unavoidable in South Africa, disrupting nearly every aspect of daily life.
Loadshedding poses especially unique challenges for drivers around the country - as transportation systems, street lights, and robots have limited functionality.
Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a newcomer to the roads, loadshedding makes getting around a real challenge. Below, we’ll discuss some insights into navigating roads during power outages with confidence.
Furthermore, at We Rent Cars, we understand the importance of reliable transportation, especially during times where power outages may affect your work or home life. Our rent-to-buy subscription may be exactly what you need to get on the roads this year.
Let’s jump into it.
Always Plan Ahead
If loadshedding has taught South Africans anything, it’s that planning ahead and staying proactive is crucial to minimise disruptions. This is especially true when it comes to ensuring a smoother road experience. Here are some essential tips to help you stay ahead of the curve:
1. Check Loadshedding Schedules and Updates
Staying up to date with changes in the loadshedding schedules for your area through reliable sources such as government channels and apps like ‘Eskom se Push’ can help you time travel routes accordingly.
Utilising mobile apps and online platforms that provide real-time updates is essential.
2. Prepare Alternative Routes and Travel Times
If you want to avoid driving through areas affected by power outages, it may be helpful to identify alternative routes before hitting the road.
Areas affected by loadshedding often have much heavier traffic, which is something every driver wants to avoid.
3. Ensure Vehicle Readiness
Anything can happen on the roads when loadshedding hits. Heavy traffic, accidents due to inactive robots and traffic lights, and much more.
In order to avoid disaster and long disruptions, you’ll need to keep your vehicle in optimal condition before making your commute. This means topping up on petrol, checking tire pressure, and maintaining battery health.
Tips for Navigating Through Loadshedding
Driving when power outages are rife requires a combination of caution, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Take a look at some tips and tricks to make sure you arrive safely during loadshedding.
A) Driving Safety Tips
-
Maintain Visibility: Ensure your vehicle is always visible, especially when driving during loadshedding in the dark. Check that your headlights and taillights are functioning properly and consider applying safety tape to the front and rear of your vehicle.
-
Adapt Driving Behaviour: You may need to adjust your driving speed when commuting during loadshedding to account for the reduced visibility mentioned above and the absence of working robots. Approach all intersections with caution and treat them as if they are four-way stops.
B) Utilise Available Technology
-
Use GPS Navigation Apps: Be sure to use GPS navigation apps on your smartphone or use your car's built-in navigation system to be aware of any delays in traffic due to loadshedding.
-
Use Car Chargers and Power Banks: Keep car chargers and power banks handy to ensure your devices remain charged, especially if you have a long commute. This is important to access information about additional power outages or changes in schedules.
C) Emergency Preparedness
-
Carry Essential Supplies: Always pack essential supplies like water, first-aid kits, and tire-replacement kits in your vehicle to prepare for unexpected delays.
-
Keep Emergency Contact Numbers on Hand: Familiarise yourself with emergency contact numbers like roadside assistance, police, and medical services. The chances of getting into an accident on the road during loadshedding is increased.
We Rent Cars is Here to Empower You Through Every Journey
We Rent Cars is here to support you through every journey, even during loadshedding. Our rent-to-buy car subscription offers reliable and hassle-free access to a diverse fleet of vehicles, ensuring you have a dependable ride to navigate through any situation.
Among our range of rent-to-buy subscription benefits are 24h roadside assistance and comprehensive insurance to keep you safe during power outages.
Contact us today to start driving today.