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Get road trip ready this school holiday

Jun 30, 2026 Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), Dewald Ranft,


Get road trip ready this school holiday

 

With the mid-year school holidays underway, many South African families are preparing to hit the road for a well-deserved break. While most travellers remember to pack the luggage, ensuring both the vehicle and its youngest passengers are ready for the journey is just as important. "Safe, stress-free road trips start long before you leave your driveway," says Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). "Taking the time to prepare your vehicle, while also planning for your children's safety and comfort, can make all the difference."

 

Ranft says one of the most critical safety checks for families travelling with young children is ensuring that child car seats are correctly fitted. International child passenger safety research continues to show that as many as 70% of child car seats are installed incorrectly, significantly reducing the protection they provide in the event of a collision.

"Parents should also make sure the seat is appropriate for their child's age, weight and height. Older children who have graduated to using the vehicle's seat belt should always be properly restrained throughout the journey."

 

While South Africa recorded a welcome five percent reduction in road fatalities and crashes during the 2025/26 festive season, with 1 427 fatalities reported, Ranft says the figures remain a sobering reminder that road safety cannot be taken for granted.

"Every decision made before and during a trip contributes to safer roads. From ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy to making sure everyone is buckled up, these small actions can ultimately save lives."

 

Long journeys can also test the patience of younger passengers. Most toddlers become restless after sitting for more than two hours. Plan regular stops where children can stretch their legs, burn off some energy and enjoy a quick play break. Choosing rest stops with safe play areas or jungle gyms can make the journey far more enjoyable for everyone and helps reduce distractions for the driver."

 

Vehicle preparation should also form part of every family's holiday checklist. Ranft recommends booking the vehicle into a MIWA-accredited workshop at least a week before departure. "Don't wait until the last minute. If replacement parts are needed, they may have to be ordered, and leaving enough time before your trip avoids unnecessary delays."

 

He also recommends that every vehicle carries a basic emergency kit containing:

•           A flashlight with spare batteries

•           A basic first-aid kit

•           A fully charged cell phone

•           A vehicle charger or power bank

•           Emergency contact numbers

 

To help make the journey smoother, Ranft offers a few additional tips for travelling with children:

•   Pack healthy snacks such as cereal bars, fruit, juice boxes and the South African favourite, biltong, to reduce unnecessary stops at busy roadside restaurants.

•   Carry plenty of drinking water to keep everyone hydrated, along with wet wipes for inevitable spills and sticky hands.

•   Bring back classic road trip games like Eye Spy, 21 Questions and Number Plate Cricket to keep children engaged.

•   Download movies, games and educational apps onto tablets or smartphones before leaving, ensuring entertainment even in areas with limited network coverage.

•   Audiobooks and family-friendly podcasts are another excellent way to keep the whole family entertained during long stretches of road.

 

"Good preparation helps create memorable family holidays for all the right reasons. A little planning goes a long way towards arriving safely and enjoying every kilometre of the journey," concludes Ranft. 
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