South Africa’s annual holiday migration is gathering pace, and with it comes the familiar swell of traffic across national routes, provincial corridors, and coastal gateways. The festive season’s mix of long journeys, family excursions, and fully loaded vehicles creates an environment where small oversights can quickly escalate into serious incidents. Authorities are already preparing for the surge, but industry experts are emphasizing that safety ultimately begins with motorists themselves.
Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is urging South Africans to prioritise responsible towing as thousands prepare to hit the road with trailers, boats, luggage haulers, and caravans in tow. “Incorrect towing is a major contributor to serious accidents every December. A few simple checks and responsible behaviour can prevent unnecessary tragedies,” he says.
Pre-trip preparation
Trailers and caravans often stand idle for most of the year, which makes pre-departure inspection essential. Ranft stresses that these units require the same level of mechanical attention as the vehicles pulling them.
“Before you hit the road, have a qualified repairer check the brakes if fitted, as well as the electrics, lights, cables, wheel bearings and tyres. Tyres, in particular, may look fine, but often develop cracks from age rather than mileage,” he explains.
Beyond the mechanical components, motorists must ensure they understand their legal and technical towing limits. “Your licence code directly influences what you’re legally allowed to tow. Motorists should ensure they meet the legal weight-to-vehicle ratio and that the combined mass does not exceed their vehicle’s design limits. Non-compliance can result in fines, but more importantly, it puts lives at risk.”
Driving tips for safer towing
The holiday season places a variety of demands on road users, and towing amplifies many of them. MIWA offers motorists several key reminders:
• Plan for higher fuel use. Towing increases fuel consumption, often substantially. Plan fuel stops ahead of time and prepare for the additional cost.
• Keep your speed down. “Speeding remains a leading cause of towing-related crashes,” says Ranft. Extra weight requires longer stopping distances, and overtaking becomes riskier. He adds that air turbulence from large trucks can destabilise a poorly balanced trailer.
• Balance the load correctly. At least 60 percent of the trailer’s weight should be positioned ahead of the axle to ensure stability. Poor weight distribution is one of the primary causes of trailer sway.
• Assist others safely. Many motorists try to help when they encounter stranded holiday travellers, but Ranft urges caution. “Use only approved towing equipment like tow bars or correctly rated tow ropes. Always secure equipment to proper towing points attached to the chassis,” he advises.
He adds that motorists towing another vehicle must remember that the towed car has limited braking and steering ability. Clear communication, gradual movements, and patience are essential to prevent further harm.
A call for responsibility on South Africa’s roads
As the festive season approaches, Ranft’s message is clear: responsible towing is a shared duty. “Every December, families are torn apart by avoidable road incidents,” he says. “If we all commit to responsible towing and safer driving, we can help ensure more South Africans reach their destinations and return home safely.”
With millions preparing to travel, MIWA encourages motorists to plan carefully, remain alert, and respect the limitations of both their vehicles and the equipment they tow. Safety, after all, begins long before the journey itself.
