Taken off Monday ahead of Women’s Day to enjoy a long weekend? Yes please!
Sadly, while you might be heading to the North, South, East or West, the roads are likely to be busy so you will need to take a few basic road precautions.
“We all want to relax and have a good time over the holidays. But we’ve got to stay alert to the risks, whether on the road, and it’s also a time of increased opportunistic crime,” said Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance.
Here are his top tips to stay safe these holidays.
If you’re hitting the road:
Get your vehicle ready
You know the drill. Check your tyres. Top up your fluids. Make sure everything is in working order. And if you’re towing a trailer or caravan, make sure that’s road-trip-ready, too. It’s also worth checking your medical emergency kit, and making sure your tyre-changing tools are present and in working condition.
Don’t drive tired
Fatigue remains one of the biggest killers on South Africa’s roads. If you’re doing a long drive, get enough sleep the night before. And if you get tired, pull over and take a break, or give someone else a turn behind the wheel.
Drive defensively
“You might be a careful driver, but that doesn’t mean everybody else is. Stay focused, and be alert to road conditions and other road users’ unpredictable overtaking manoeuvres and behaviour,” says Van Vuuren. And rather arrive a few minutes later than try ridiculously risky overtaking manoeuvres yourself.
Avoid distractions
Using our cellphones while we drive is a major cause of accidents. Don’t do it. If you have to use your phone, wait for a stop. And make sure everyone in the vehicle understands the importance of not distracting the driver.
If you’re hitting the back garden:
Check your security systems
Make sure your alarm, electric fence and beams are all in working order. Like most household appliances, these should all be tested regularly.
Don’t think criminals are on holiday too
If you leave your house, even just for a few minutes, make sure that your doors and windows are secured, and your alarm is armed. Keep the electric fence on and the gates locked when you’re entertaining. Don’t let your guests park on the pavement.
Don’t become a hijack victim
Hijacking is rapidly becoming the leading type of vehicle crime in South Africa. Even if you’re just taking a trip to the mall with the family, stay alert: one of the most common places people are hijacked is their own driveway. And don’t be the hero. If a hijack happens, just give up your car and your possessions.
Keep your valuables covered
“People often think insurance will pay out if their laptop, cellphone or jewellery is stolen while they’re out. They’re wrong. Make sure that the high-value items you take with when you go out are insured as portable possessions, and specified, or they’re not covered,” said Van Vuuren.