Not to be an alarmist, but as traffic increases on our roads in time for the festive season, we need to be extra-vigilant — there were 1 582 deaths on our country’s roads during the festive period last year and 10 857 fatal crashes in the year as a whole.
A higher number of road accidents at this time of year is inevitable, so it’s really good to be prepared for potential risks before you reverse out of your driveway. There are more cars on the roads and people also deviate from their normal routes, so there may be more nervous drivers in your area than usual. Drinking and driving adds to the risk factor, too, as does speeding.
Christelle Fourie, managing director of MUA Insurance Acceptances, has some end-of-year tips for drivers. If you follow these tips, you’ll be one of the most prepared drivers on the road — guaranteed.
- Make sure your insurance policies are in place and check the details of your insurance cover in other countries, if you’re planning on driving overseas.
- Your insurance cover won’t help you if you don’t stick to the law, so don’t drink and drive and remember to wear your seatbelt. Make sure your passengers wear theirs, too.
- Check that your motor vehicle, life and disability insurance premiums are up to date.
- A good motor policy should provide assistance services such as jump starts, flat tyres, unlocking vehicle and fuel delivery. If you break down more than a certain distance from your home, your insurance should provide overnight accommodation or 24-hour car rental.
- Roadworthiness is important, of course — check your brakes, steering, tyres (including the spare), wheel alignment, exhaust system, possible fuel leaks, headlights, indicators, stop and tail lights and windscreen wiper blades. Service your car before you go on a trip.
- If you’re travelling in remote areas, make sure you have spares like fan belts and radiator hoses, and keep a lifting jack and wheel spanner in your vehicle.
- Prepare a first aid kit and carry essential medicines on your trip.
- Make sure your cellphone is fully charged for emergency calls.
- Be aware of road and weather conditions and drive defensively — adjust your speed and keep to the speed limit indicated.
- Have plans to keep young children occupied on long journeys — a bored, crying or car-sick child might have a bad effect on your driving.
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