South Africa’s road fatality rate for 2022, paint a grim picture,’ with the country’s roads being found to be among the most dangerous in the world.
South Africa’s road fatality rate for 2022, paint a grim picture,’ with the country’s roads being found to be among the most dangerous in the world. Although much progress has been made across several provinces to curb the annual incidence rate, several dates on the calendar remain notoriously associated with dramatic spikes in road accidents and fatalities.
With road trips being popular over the festive season periods, motorists are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents on the road. Keeping you and your family safe on the road should be a top priority. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and there are practical ways to do this.
In light of these common issues, and to help road users to be as prepared as possible for their road trips with family and friends, Youlon Naidoo, Executive Head: Claims & Procurement at Miway Insurance shares some useful road safety tips:
Life-saving checks
Ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy before heading out is an effective safety measure. Standard practice before taking a road trip, check the following:
Driver health checks
The physical condition and mental awareness of the driver is also very important on the road. For this reason, when travelling with children, plan a few car activities to keep the kids entertained and don’t forget the lekker padkos. It’s important for drivers to plan regular breaks along the way, ensure good airflow through the car and stay hydrated. A great road trip also requires an epic playlist. So make one with the family or friends to ensure everyone has a memorable journey.
Don’t forget your boot essentials
All drivers should invest in their own set of jumper cables, which should also be tested before heading out on the road. Do not use damaged jumper cables and to always ensure that both vehicles are off before connecting the battery terminals.
Motorists should also ensure they have a light-reflecting warning triangle in their vehicle before hitting the road. If at any time your car should break down and you need to pull onto the shoulder of the road to attend to it, you need to place the warning triangle no less than 45 meters from the vehicle to warn approaching drivers of the potential hazard.
During these periods we see larger volumes in traffic, with more South Africans opting to take advantage of the extended time away from work. The unfortunate reality is that with more motorists on the road being caught up in the excitement, the potential for reckless behaviour and driving under the influence increases significantly. It is therefore every motorist’s responsibility to put safety first and find ways to prepare for and mitigate the risks that lie ahead.
In case of an emergency over this period and a hassle-free self-service, you can alternatively use the Miway App or call 08600 767 64 for Emergency Roadside and Home Assistance.
