Plan your trips and travel during the day to reach your destination on time
SAIA would also like to encourage all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians during this holiday season, to exercise extreme caution on the road, be patient with other road users and adhere to the prescribed rules of the road.
Throngs of road users and holidaymakers are expected to travel to various destinations to spend time with their families and friends during the forthcoming holiday period. Annually, hundreds of lives are lost on South African roads over the December/January period as thousands of people take time off from work to travel to loved ones, as well as holidaymakers.
Statistics compiled by the Department of Transport (DoT) annually point to excessive speed, unsafe overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading, driving with tyres that don’t meet roadworthy standards and general disregard of the rules of the road amongst others, as the causes of road fatalities.
“We, therefore, urge all road users to obey traffic laws and to be vigilant on the roads this festive season to ensure their safety, their families and that of other road users,” said South African Insurance Association chief executive, Viviene Pearson.
Travel restrictions have eased, and interprovincial travel is now allowed. As a result, we are likely to see a strong increase in road usage in the coming weeks. SAIA would like to urge motor insurance policyholders who will most likely travel, that this is the right time to get in touch with their broker or insurance company to ensure that they have adequate insurance cover.
SAIA would also like to encourage all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians during this holiday season, to exercise extreme caution on the road, be patient with other road users and adhere to the prescribed rules of the road.
As a driver and a vehicle owner, it remains imperative that one ensures that their vehicle is mechanically sound and has been checked by a qualified hand before embarking on a road trip.
“We also urge all South Africans to be responsible in terms of COVID-19, continue to wear your masks properly, remember to keep the necessary social distancing so that you minimise any unnecessary exposure to the virus to yourself and your family. Let us all observe the regulations and preserve lives,” pleads Pearson.
SAIA shares the following tips to ensure road users travel safely:
1. Make certain that your insurance premiums are up to date.
2. Keep your policy number and 24hr road assistance number handy in case of an emergency.
3. Do not drink and drive.
4. Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving.
5. Be on the lookout for pedestrians.
6. Remember to advise your insurance company if you are travelling outside of South Africa.
7. Make certain that your vehicle is roadworthy, and tyres are in good condition.
8. Check if your spare wheel is in good condition and that you have a wheel-spanner and jack.
9. Check if your wipers are in good working order.
10. Rest after every two hours of driving.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
