Safety tips for mountain passes

The recent horrific traffic accident statistics over the Easter Weekend has highlighted the risks associated with negotiating mountain passes.

Routes such as the Johannesburg-Durban run and Cape Mountain passes such as Sir Lowry's Pass, Du Toits Kloof, Houw Hoek and Franschhoek are all high-traffic roads where extra caution can save lives.

“Good advice when travelling on any road is to be able to stop in the distance you can see,” says Dave Johnston, head of driver training at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). “This elementary understanding is vital when negotiating mountain passes.”

Mountain passes generally follow the contours of the terrain, but by nature have a substantial change in altitude. “Passes are steep and can often have loose debris on them from rock slides,” says Johnston. “Reduce your speed because there are sharp corners and it takes longer to stop on loose surfaces or steep gradients.”

Motorists should also be aware of reduced visibility risks such as blind corners, blind rises and slow moving heavy-duty vehicles.

“Mist or fog is often present at mountain passes, therefore always keep your headlights on, as much to see where you are going as for other road users to see your vehicle timeously,” says Johnston.

“If you are driving a vehicle without ABS anti-lock brakes, apply your brakes in a straight line, before entering a bend,” continues Johnston. “The wheels can easily lock and the vehicle will skid out of control because the steering does not respond when the wheels are locked. This can easily result in sliding off the road, even down the mountain side.”

Patience and courtesy are key factors when driving on mountain passes. “Trucks generally ascend passes slowly because of their sheer weight and, if driven correctly, should also descend slowly, which poses two problems,” explains Johnston.

“You may not be able to slow down in time if coming around a corner too quickly, while impatience when overtaking is potentially lethal because of the limited visibility.”

The solution is to reduce speed and do it early. “Rather waste a couple of hours or even a day than lose your life or somebody else's,” says Johnston. “Respect other road users travelling slowly: they are being safe and don't need to be bullied.”

Rockfalls are common on passes so have a “Plan B” worked out in advance. “Keep escape routes in mind, bearing in mind that oncoming traffic may swerve onto your side of the road in order to avoid obstacles,” advises Johnston.

Motorists should make sure their vehicles are roadworthy, and especially that tyres, brakes, lights, steering and windscreen wipers are in good condition.

Footnote: Every day 42 people die and 25 are permanently disabled in road accidents in South Africa.