Road fatalities during the holiday period

Gari Dombo, MD of Alexander Forbes Insurance.

Following the recent announcement by the Department of Transport that there were 1755 road fatalities from Dec 1 2015 to Jan 11 2016, it is clear that travelling in a motor vehicle is probably the most dangerous thing you do on a daily basis.

According to Gari Dombo, MD of Alexander Forbes Insurance, “Most road accidents occur as a result of negligence by one or more parties. The most frequent cause of accidents on our roads is due to a lack of attention to detail, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or not understanding how your vehicle performs in certain conditions.”

He adds, “Other factors which contribute to these accidents are the condition of the roads, weather, the physical condition of the driver, general vehicle maintenance, as well as distraction from fellow passengers.” In fact says Dombo, one of the biggest factors particularly for younger drivers is that they often drive with friends and in the process engage in conversation while driving. This gets them distracted resulting in accidents.

Dombo recommends that all South Africans perform the following pre-trip inspections:

Some of the things that need to be checked before driving out of the garage:

• Is your windscreen clean?
• Are your lights and indicators clean and in working order?
• Are your tyres correctly inflated?
• Do your tyres have enough tread on them?
• Are there any fluid leaks on the ground from your vehicle?
• Are your license plates attached correctly and is your disc up to date?

Inside your vehicle check:

• Ensure your seat is in the correct position and fasten your seatbelt.
• Check that all mirrors are adjusted to the correct height.
• Lock your doors.
• Scan the gauges on your dashboard for any warning lights.
• Ensure that there are no obstructions under the pedals or blocking your rear-view window.

“Driving is not just the physical act of steering and manoeuvring your vehicle on the roads. A large part of driving is mental awareness and decision making. Drivers must be aware of things happening around them and are confronted with multiple split second decisions that need to be calculated and executed with great precision. Your mental and emotional state of mind plays a large role in your driving ability,” says Dombo.

Dombo also offers the following points when you are on the road:

1. Speed and stopping distances are crucial.

a. Stay 3 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you (3 – 4 car lengths).
b. Remember to increase your following distance as your speed increases.

2. Changing lanes.

a. Check to make sure there is enough room.
b. Signal your intention well in advance.
c. Check your blind spot and spacing again.
d. Make smooth lane changes as quickly as possible.
e. Avoid harsh lane changes as this might startle other drivers causing an accident.

3. Blind spots.

a. Adjust your mirrors to minimize your blind spots.
b. Avoid driving in other peoples blind spots.
c. Make yourself as visible as possible at all times.

4. Take note of the road signs around you.

a. Regulatory signs are red and white.
b. Warning and temporary signs are yellow and black.
c. Guide signs are blue and white.

5. Avoid being distracted by technology.

a. Avoid checking a map book or your phone while driving.
b. Have your route mapped out before you leave your location.
c. Never text and drive.
d. Always use a hands-free car kit when taking calls.

6. Emergency vehicles.

a. Immediately move to the side of your lane or into another lane.
b. If you are unable to move remain stationary until the emergency vehicle has passed.
c. Do not panic! Remain calm.

Dombo reminds us that In South Africa, the legal limit is a breath alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1,000ml, or a blood alcohol limit of 0.05g per 100ml.

“Alexander Forbes Insurance clients receive 6 free Driver Service trips a year. A driver and a tracker vehicle will collect you from your location and drive you home in your own vehicle.

Should you be involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol your insurance claim will be rejected as driving under the influence is illegal,” concludes Dombo.