Drive with extra caution to avoid colliding with small antelope on rural roads

Last weekend did not start well for a friend of the Arrive Alive website when he collided with a Klipspringer, a small species of African antelope.

The collision occurred on Friday afternoon shortly before sunset about 8 kilometres outside Ottosdal on the Wolmaransstad road.

Unfortunately neither the Klipspringer nor the radiator of the car survived the impact of the collision.

What can we do to reduce these types of crashes and also assist towards making our roads safer?

On the Arrive Alive website we have made available information on the following topic: Avoiding animals on the Road

There are a few suggestions that could assist in protecting motorists:

• Take special care near animal crossing warning signs or signs warning of the absence of fences. The signs are there for a reason.


• Minimize your distractions from passengers, food, and accessories like cell phones. If your full attention is on the road, you’;ll be more likely to spot approaching animals with your peripheral vision.


• Get in the habit of scanning the roadside as you drive.


• Vigilance is the first and best defense, especially when driving on unfamiliar rural roads. Ask passengers to help by scanning both sides of the roadway.


• If you see one animal, expect that there are others nearby.


• Use your high beams whenever possible. They will give you more time to spot and react to animals in the road.


• Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts


• To protect themselves, defensive drivers adapt their speed to conditions and keep alert for wildlife.


• Slowing down a little gives you and the animal more time to react – Be especially cautious at night


• Be aware of your surroundings.


• Be especially watchful in areas near woods and water


• If you see a large animal near the road and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes to warn other drivers and sound your horn.


• If the animal is in your path, brake firmly but do not swerve to avoid it. Sound your horn in a series of short bursts to frighten it away. Provided you can slow down with control, steer around the animal but stay on the road if possible. Watch out for oncoming traffic.


• If a collision seems inevitable, don’;t swerve to avoid the animal; your risk of injury may be greater if you do. Maintain control of the vehicle. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company.


• Always consider if the land along the road could host large animals, and if you think it could, anticipate that they might run out into the road. It’;s much easier to anticipate animal encounters and be ready to react calmly than to deal with the costly expenses, injuries, and guilty conscience of a collision.

We can also assist the World Wildlife Fund and the Project to reduce Roadkill.

View: Endangered Wildlife Trust starts new roadkill project in Pilanesberg National Park

Drive with extra caution to avoid colliding with small antelope on rural roads

What is a “small amount loan”?

A small quantity loan, (often referred to as a ‘payday loan’ or a ‘short-term loan’) is a loan of about $ 2,000 or significantly less, which can come with large charges and interest prices attached. They can be quick to secure but contrary to what some may feel, they could not be a excellent alternative for those in financial difficulty.

What is it?

A tiny amount loan is typically for an amount of $ 2,000 or much less, and normally for a period of time amongst 15 days and one particular year. A medium quantity loan is for an amount of among $ 2,001 and $ 5,000.

What does it price?

The fees and interest prices can be substantial. To give you an indication, on a loan of $ 2,000 or less, lenders are capable to charge you:

• An initial establishment charge of 20% of the total amount loaned


• A month-to-month account maintaining fee of 4% of the total quantity loaned


• A government fee/charge

Additional charges as a result of default or non-payment could consist of:

• Default costs/charges


• Enforcement expenditures, which are the costs of the lender going to court to recover the sum you owe them

On loan amounts between $ 2,001 and $ 5,000, lenders can charge:

• A one-off charge of $ 400


• A maximum annual interest rate of 48%, including all other fees and charges

Is it regulated?

The excellent news is that there have been a quantity of adjustments to the regulation of these loans more than the past few years. The responsible lending laws aim to make certain that brief term loans are only provided to these who will definitely be in a position to pay them back. It’s up to the lender to check and ensure that the potential borrower can repay the loan

Also because 1 July 2010, it has been illegal for lenders to take safety more than essential household house or tools of trade. Even so this does not make you immune to economic penalty if you default on your loan. Default costs can be up to twice the total quantity loaned, and are on top of the amount of the loan not repaid yet.

So even though you might be out of pocket for the next few weeks soon after a massive night out or a huge acquire, verify your borrowing choices carefully. A brief term loan may possibly not be the very best resolution.

What is a “small amount loan”?

2016 Audi A7 Very first Drive: A Small Prettier, Much more Effective

1st Drive Overview

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Stunning and rewarding to drive as ever.

Audi has faced criticism about its vehicles all looking the very same in diverse sizes, like matryoshka, these Russian nesting dolls. Consider the A7 a counterpoint. A big hatchback sedan based on the A6, it doesn’;t appear like the A6 or even the not-for-the-U.S. A5 Sportback. Every single crease is its own, and the all round shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports cars.

The A7 is one of our favorites, creating 3 appearances on our 10Best list and winning separate comparison tests against the BMW 640i Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS550. As with the A6 and S6, Audi has upgraded the 2016 model, accessible from the first quarter of 2015. The front end looks much more modern with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a more horizontal and angular appear above rectangular exhaust outlets.

Audi gives 2 engines for the U.S. The 3.-liter V-6 TDI diesel with an output of 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque carries more than unchanged the 3.-liter V-6 TFSI supercharged gasoline engine now tends to make 330 horsepower, up 20, although with the identical 325 lb-ft of torque. Either a single mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.

Even though we lament that Audi won’t send its awesome 320-hp twin-turbo BiTDI to the U.S., the 240-hp diesel launches the A7 on a wave of torque and builds speed with reassuring force. It does just about every thing perfectly whilst emitting small much more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing energy the additional thrust of the higher-efficiency diesel sold in Europe comes largely at triple-digit autobahn speeds hardly ever encountered in America.

The supercharged gasoline V-6 does not feel really as sturdy off the line, but when rolling, it is clearly a lot more responsive than its TDI sibling—or most any turbocharged model in its segment. The soundtrack is silky-smooth, not menacing. The trade-off for its supreme manners is fuel consumption far thirstier than that of the TDI that recorded 30 mpg in our 2014 test.

Audi offers only the ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic in the U.S., although buyers in other markets can choose a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We’re told that Americans favor the torque overload at step-off. The automatic is fine for the diesel, but the eager supercharged gasoline engine pairs nicely with the dual-clutch gearbox Audi reserves for the sportier S6/S7 models here. That said, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor offers a dual-clutch—you’d have to stretch the spending budget at least $ 10,000 to nab the DCT in the base Porsche Panamera.

We’ve praised the A7′s competent chassis before, and it still impresses. From the light steering to the precise turn-in and the way its suspension shrugs off uneven surfaces, couple of vehicles can match it in spirited driving. It really is comfy, as well, and quiet. For 2016, the excellent cabin is additional improved with an upgraded infotainment technique and fresh décor. Unfortunately, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up display the massive box atop the dashboard is impossible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the technique at all.

Prices will stay close to these of the existing model, which begins at $ 66,825. For what the A7 delivers, including its gorgeous appears, that’;s not a undesirable deal. But if the hatchback shape isn’t for you, verify out the updated A6. It can do almost everything just as well for thousands significantly less.

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2016 Audi A7 1st Drive: A Small Prettier, A lot more Strong

Very first Drive Review

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Beautiful and rewarding to drive as ever.

Audi has faced criticism about its vehicles all looking the identical in diverse sizes, like matryoshka, those Russian nesting dolls. Consider the A7 a counterpoint. A big hatchback sedan primarily based on the A6, it does not look like the A6 or even the not-for-the-U.S. A5 Sportback. Every single crease is its personal, and the all round shape is informed by 1970s and 1980s sports vehicles.

The A7 is one of our favorites, generating 3 appearances on our 10Best list and winning separate comparison tests against the BMW 640i Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS550. As with the A6 and S6, Audi has upgraded the 2016 model, obtainable from the very first quarter of 2015. The front finish looks far more contemporary with a subtler grille and slimmer LED headlights. Restyled taillights present a far more horizontal and angular appear above rectangular exhaust outlets.

Audi offers 2 engines for the U.S. The 3.-liter V-6 TDI diesel with an output of 240 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque carries more than unchanged the 3.-liter V-6 TFSI supercharged gasoline engine now makes 330 horsepower, up 20, even though with the very same 325 lb-ft of torque. Either 1 mates to Quattro all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.

Although we lament that Audi will not send its amazing 320-hp twin-turbo BiTDI to the U.S., the 240-hp diesel launches the A7 on a wave of torque and builds speed with reassuring force. It does just about almost everything completely even though emitting little more than a subdued growl. There is ample passing power the further thrust of the higher-efficiency diesel sold in Europe comes largely at triple-digit autobahn speeds seldom encountered in America.

The supercharged gasoline V-6 does not feel quite as powerful off the line, but once rolling, it is clearly a lot more responsive than its TDI sibling—or most any turbocharged model in its segment. The soundtrack is silky-smooth, not menacing. The trade-off for its supreme manners is fuel consumption far thirstier than that of the TDI that recorded 30 mpg in our 2014 test.

Audi provides only the ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic in the U.S., although buyers in other markets can select a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We’re told that Americans prefer the torque overload at step-off. The automatic is fine for the diesel, but the eager supercharged gasoline engine pairs nicely with the dual-clutch gearbox Audi reserves for the sportier S6/S7 models right here. That mentioned, the ZF unit is a benchmark automatic, and no direct competitor provides a dual-clutch—you’d have to stretch the spending budget at least $ 10,000 to nab the DCT in the base Porsche Panamera.

We’ve praised the A7′s competent chassis before, and it still impresses. From the light steering to the precise turn-in and the way its suspension shrugs off uneven surfaces, handful of automobiles can match it in spirited driving. It’;s comfortable, too, and quiet. For 2016, the exceptional cabin is further enhanced with an upgraded infotainment program and fresh décor. Sadly, Audi hasn’;t fixed the poor integration of the head-up show the enormous box atop the dashboard is impossible to overlook and so obtrusive that we’;d rather not have the technique at all.

Costs will stay close to these of the current model, which begins at $ 66,825. For what the A7 offers, such as its stunning looks, that’;s not a undesirable deal. But if the hatchback shape isn’t for you, check out the updated A6. It can do every thing just as properly for thousands much less.

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Soul Glow: Kia Soul EV Priced, Sits Mid-Pack Among Current Crop of Small Electrics

Kia has just announced that its first-ever electric car, the 2015 Soul EV, will join the electron-powered vehicle fray in California by the end of October at pre-federal-rebate starting prices of $ 34,500 for the base model and $ 36,500 for the Plus. (The rebate will slash $ 7500 from the sticker.)

Standard goodies include a rear camera, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, cruise control, a 6.6-kW onboard charger, and a unique climate-control system designed to minimize energy use. The price also includes 5 years of UVO EV services, which uses an embedded Verizon telematics system and an attendant smartphone app to give owners real-time battery state of charge and range information, heat or cool the interior remotely, as well as help search for nearby charging stations. Oh yeah, and it tosses in a navigation system, too. The EV Plus model adds seats upholstered in leather—heated for all outboard seats and cooled as well for front-seaters—plus fog lamps and power-folding exterior mirrors.

Compared to the current crop of EVs, the Soul is priced higher than the 2015 Nissan Leaf ($ 29,860) and the 2015 Fiat 500e ($ 32,650), but comes in below the 2015 Ford Focus Electric ($ 35,995) and VW’s new e-Golf ($ 36,265). Factor in the federal tax credit and regional government incentives, which remain pretty generous in California, and the price for any EV can come down considerably. An introductory lease price of $ 249 per month with $ 1999 down is also an option for the Soul EV.

Kia promises to start selling the Soul EV in other markets that it has identified as having increasingly robust EV infrastructures starting next year, which may include as New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, among other states.

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Soul Glow: Kia Soul EV Priced, Sits Mid-Pack Among Current Crop of Small Electrics

2015 Ram ProMaster Photographs and Information: Cargo Box, Size Small

Official Photographs and Info

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The European breadbox invasion hits full tilt.

Chrysler’s Ram brand has been busy lately, obtaining just launched its light-duty diesel pickup, HD trucks, and ProMaster full-size cargo van. And they are not completed however. Now comes the newest and smallest member of the Ram family—the Ramily?—the 2015 ProMaster City, which is elbowing its way into an increasingly crowded compact van field that also contains the Ford Transit Connect, the Nissan NV200, and the NV’s new twin, the Chevrolet City Express.

Even with its squinty new headlamps and crosshair grille, the ProMaster City may strike drivers from outdoors the U.S. as somewhat familiar, since the van is essentially a much less geeky-seeking version of the Fiat Doblo that is now in its second generation as a cargo/passenger hauler in Europe, South America, and elsewhere. As was the Transit Connect, the Turkey-built ProMaster City will be imported with seats inside to avid the ridiculous 25 % “chicken tax” that the feds impose on imported light trucks. The vast majority of models will then be converted into 2-passenger “Tradesman” panel vans at the Chrysler Group Transformation Center—yes, that is a thing—in Baltimore, Maryland. (Ford was forced to commence paying the piper late final year there’s no word as to regardless of whether Chrysler will, as well.)

An untold and no doubt quite tiny quantity will stay in 5-passenger wagon form as a consideration for little organization consumers who occasionally bring their colleagues (or their children) to operate web sites, and to fill a bit of the void left when the Dodge Grand Caravan goes away in 2016. With Tradesman models, the sliding doors and rear doors are available with one’s option of glass or metal panels, while wagon models have windows practically all the way about. In contrast to the passenger versions of the Doblo (or the Transit Connect, for that matter), the upper rear quarters of the ProMaster City remain covered by metal no matter the configuration.

Chrysler’s 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder sends 178 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque by way of a 9-speed automatic transmission in all models. (We hope Chrysler has worked out the kinks in the 9-gear ’box.) As such, the front-drive-only ProMaster City packs the hardest punch of all the fundamental Class 1 vanlets, outmuscling the Transit Connect’s 169-hp, 171-lb-ft 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and outright bullying the Nissan/Chevy twins, with their wimpy 131-hp 2.-liter 4/CVT combo. The Transit Connect is presented with a 1.6-liter Ecoboost 4-banger with 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque the upcharge for that engine is a modest $ 795.

Continued…

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2015 Ram ProMaster Photographs and Information: Cargo Box, Size Small