Lost? Find your way with Google Maps

If you are planning a trip somewhere you have never been, or need to find out how to get somewhere and don't have a map book Google Maps offers a simple solution for anyone that needs a bit of help. You can access Google Maps easily from the Google homepage and there are maps offered all over the world. To get to Google Maps select the link in the top left hand corner of the Google homepage (as seen n the screenshot below). This will take you to the Google Maps homepage.

 

Once you are on the Google Maps homepage click the Get directions link to the (as pictured to the right). This will bring up two text entry fields for Point A and Point B. Enter your starting destination and your desired end point and then click the blue GET DIRECTONS button and Google Maps will generate Suggested routes for you to take to reach your location. By clicking on the suggested routes you will be presented with directions on how to reach your destination on your preferred route. You can also switch between directions for vehicles or directions if you are planning on walking. Just bear in mind these are computer generated results so there is also a possibility there may be errors however generally they should be fine for use.

Taxi Drivers, Bus Rapid Transit and a new Airline?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was launched yesterday in the city of Rustenberg in the North West and could be catering for as many as 200,000 passengers a day in the area. Forming part of the Public Transport Strategy and Action Plan of 2007 which is to be implemented in 12 cities across the country, BRT in Rustenberg will help reduce traffic congestion and make commuting to workplaces and education facilities in the Rustenberg area much easier and more economical for public transport users in Rustenberg and its surrounds.

Apart from being a boon to the economy the government's plans to streamline public transport across the country is part of an initiative to decrease carbon emissions by 34% by the year 2020. Read more about this at Sowetan Live.

This is all good news for South Africans though taxi drivers in the country are worried and in a bold (if possibly unrealistic) move to prevent future profit loss South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) have announced that they may be launching an airline that operates between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Read more at Business Day.

And finally, everyone working in the tourism industry can keep up with the Gauteng Tourism Summit. Read more at Artslink.

Road, Driving & Car News for 14 June 2011

Has been a little while since we posted on the Car Rental South Africa blog so what better way to kick off another post with a short update of a few interesting happenings in the world or road safety, driving and cars for today.

• TomTom  the GPS / Sat Nav manufacturers are offering a trade-in and reduction in price if you buy a TomTom LIVE device with HD Traffic. If you buy the new TomTom at selected stores and bring in your old GPS / Sat Nav you will receive a discount. The offer is international (not just for South Africans!), so if you are interested in buying a new GPS / Sat Nav device be sure to head over to breakfree.tomtom.com and find out more about this offer.
• Discovery the South African medical aid and financial services provider has recently launched VitalityDrive, and will be rewarding drivers that drive more safely. How are Discovery going to be monitoring this? Well, they have partnered with Ctrack who provide vehicle tracking solutions to enable them to monitor the way you drive - speed, acceleration and even the time of day or night you are on the road. If you are a Discovery Health member be sure to speak to a consultant if you are interested in finding out more.
• The Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix just happened and rain suspended driving for over 2 hours though in the end the winner was McLaren’s Jenson Button. Find out more at the Official F1 Website.

For more South African related road, safety and driving news and information be sure to read the Arrive Alive website which has a numerous interested articles!

Winter Wet Weather Driving Tips

It's winter time in South Africa and in the Western Cape that means wet weather! We've put together a few wet weather driving tips for everyone that is planning a road trip this winter to help ensure that you stay safe on the roads this winter!

• Be sure to reduce your speed in wet weather and damp conditions
• Increase following distance
• Before setting out in wet weather make sure all your lights and reflectors are clean
• Don't pass slower vehicles unless necessary
• Ensure the windscreen wipers on your vehicle are in good condition
• Before the onset of winter have your tyres checked at a reputable agent to ensure they have enough tread

For more on winter driving safety consult Arrive Alive, where they have a lot of useful information regarding road safety! Have a great winter and stay warm from Car Rental South Africa!

Another Update on Easter Accidents

The Road Traffic Management Corporation urges motorists to remain safe on the road this weekend with Monday being another public holiday. They also warn that just because Easter is over doesn't mean there won't be high levels on traffic monitoring on the roads this long weekend and offenders will be caught.

The preliminary figures for the past Easter long weekend have also been released and the death toll stands at 203 - see below for a breakdown by province:

• KwaZulu-Natal 43
• Gauteng 32
• Limpopo 30
• Mpumalanga 29
• Eastern Cape 25
• Free State 17
• North West 11
• Northern Cape 9
• Western Cape 7

If you are planning on driving this weekend be sure to stay safe! You can read more at Arrive Alive.