Tips: Stay safe on the roads this Easter
For drivers and their passengers to safely reach their destinations, there are basic safety steps they should remember.
March will see thousands of families hit the road to enjoy the chance to relax and recharge over the Easter holidays and the long weekends.
For drivers and their passengers to safely reach their destinations, there are basic safety steps they should remember.
“You can make a massive difference by buckling up, driving at a safe speed and never operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Too many lives are lost on SA roads monthly due to reckless driving or excessive speeding. Being aware of safe driving habits can lessen the country’s accident and fatality rates,” says Wahl Bartmann, the group CEO of Fidelity Services Group.
Easter road fatalities increased by 37%, from 184 in 2022 to 252 in 2023. The North-West and Western Cape were the only provinces to record reduced fatalities at 50% and 34%, respectively, during Easter 2023. The highest increase was Kwa-Zulu Natal at 132%, followed by the Free State at 122%.
“We recommend you avoid all distractions that take your eyes and concentration off the road. Never use your cellphone or send text messages while driving.”
Testing the vehicle’s roadworthiness before embarking on any long journey is vital. Burst tyres or other aspects a mechanic or you could pick up cause many accidents. Badly worn tyres are a safety risk, especially when driving on wet or slippery roads.
Bartmann says drivers should consider installing a vehicle tracking system.
“It is a sad reality that many vehicles get hijacked daily. The Q3 crime stats released by the SAPS recently showed that around 66 cars get hijacked daily – an increase of 6.5% in the same period in 2022. Gauteng, the Western Cape, and the North West saw noticeable increases in hijacking incidents,” says Bartmann.
Vehicle telematics systems and car trackers offer real-time tracking of a vehicle’s movements.
“If anyone has gained unauthorised access to your vehicle, it is a valuable resource that can help locate the car once it has been stolen or hijacked. It could also help parents monitor their children’s driving habits to ensure good driving behaviour.
“The added benefit is your family members who stay behind at home could also track your movements to give them the ease of knowing where you are and whether you reached your destination.
“Safe driving starts with awareness and preparedness. As a driver, you are responsible for the safety of those who share the road with you,” says Bartmann.
