Safety Tips to Guide You While Driving on a Rough Road

The road network of African countries is still developing. Most of them including Uganda still have several of their roads under construction while others especially in remote areas and even the city suburbs are in poor condition.

During the wet season, driving on such rough roads can be difficult and may sometimes interfere with your activities. If most of your destinations require driving off the highways, expect at some point to drive through rough terrain. And if you are traveling to national parks, still don’t expect a wholly smooth ride.

As you plan to self-drive Uganda this season, consider learning about and putting into practice these safety tips to be on the safer side while getting through the rough roads regardless of the weather conditions.

Pack Emergency Gear Once you have done research about your destination and found out that it will or may require driving off-road, then be aware that uncertainties will not be a surprise. Prepare for them by traveling along with emergency gear such as the spare battery, jumper cable, shovel, spare tire, and other items required for car mechanical issues. This applies to travelers who are planning for a self-drive tour. If you are going on a guided safari, this responsibility is transferred to your driver and they already know what to equip their car with.

Keep your speed low As you draw closer to rough roads, you should drive slowly. This enables you to go through the damaged roads without causing injury to the vehicle. It helps to keep tires and other basic parts of the vehicle in the right condition. Driving slow in such sections of the road also allows you to easily stop when you need to be more careful after coming across a pothole.

Know your car If you are planning on visiting remote areas like national parks and other game reserves, a full-time 4WD vehicle is recommended. This is because it does not overstrain tires as to go through rough terrain and slippery tracks. On the other hand, a 2-wheel drive car may get stuck on a rough road, especially during bad weather. Therefore, first know the status of your vehicle before you start your trip.

Observe the weather Somewhat heavy rainfall causes difficulty in maneuvering through untarmacked roads. Get rid of such uncertainties by getting updates on the weather forecast before your journey. Simply tune in to the media, alternatively, use your smartphone.

Don’t overload the car If your trip is taking you through rough roads, ensure to carry only the most important requirements. Avoid overloading the vehicle that is going to pass through potholes as this may result in tire damage, getting stuck, or failure to make a turn. If you need to travel with a lot of luggage, you can consider hiring another vehicle.

Are you planning a Uganda self-drive trip to remote parts but still disturbed about how best you will make it due to the rough roads? Make use of the above safety tips for an easier and smoother road trip. If you want to know more about driving on rough roads or have any other inquiries regarding this, You can contact us now by sending an email to info@pixycarhire.com or call us now at +256-742874045 / +256-703903243