SA motorists urged to prepare for summer rains

WITH summer rains approaching, South Africans living in summer rainfall regions need to prepare themselves for the coming storms, warned MiWay Insurance.

Also read: Government responds and sends condolences to flood victims 

The insurer said that while the rain is welcome, considering the drought conditions persisting across many parts of the country, South Africans need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they are not inconvenienced by the looming risk of extensive damage.

Also read: No help for Wyebank flood victims 

MiWay said that while the safest option is to stay indoors in extreme weather, you should take the following precautions should you find yourself caught in hailstorms or downpours while on the road:

• In extremely heavy rain, do not allow your car to mist up. Switch your demisters on to clear up your windscreen for visibility.
• Keep your headlights and even your hazard lights on, for better visibility.
• Increase the driving distance between you and other motorists for added safety and be more vigilant about pedestrians and other road users.
• Don’t slam on your brakes – stop gradually by taking your foot off the accelerator to avoid skidding.
• Only move forward if you can clearly see what is ahead of you, and do not drive through deep waters or attempt to cross a stretch of water.
• If you are caught in a hailstorm, stay calm and look for cover such as a covered car park, a petrol station or a bridge.
• Do not park under trees as there is a danger of falling branches and debris. If there is no shelter close by, pull over onto the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
• Hail causes more damage to moving vehicles than stationary ones.
• If you are caught on a flooded road, try and get to higher ground as soon as possible.
• If you find yourself in a flash flood:
• Try to stay calm – do not panic! You and your passengers need to focus on one goal only and that is to exit the car as quickly as possible.

If you are swept into fast moving floodwater outside of your car, point your feet downstream to reduce your risk of hitting your head on an obstacle.

“We welcome the rain, especially in light of the lower-than-desirable dam levels across the country, but we urge those South Africans who live in the summer rainfall regions to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they reap the fruit rather than the destruction of the rain. Residents can do so by ensuring they are aware of how to drive in severe thunder or hailstorms and what to do if they are caught in a flash flood. Homeowners and business owners should also do what is required to protect their property,” said Nthabiseng Moloi, Head of Marketing and Brand.

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