Stay vigilant this year, as Easter road travel danger increases

Leruo Malumo, Product Manager at Santam, shares top road safety tips ahead of the long weekend

While the post-COVID rebound in Easter weekend travel is encouraging for the economy, the volume of traffic on the road demands extra vigilance from drivers. According to a report from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the number of fatalities on our roads increased by 37% from 184 in 2022 to 252 in 2023.

While this may be a beautiful time to see and celebrate with loved ones, the country’s roads can become unpredictable. Taking the necessary precautions to ensure you get there safely is essential.

This is according to Leruo Malumo, Product Manager at Santam, who says, “While a road trip is a great way to explore our beautiful country, it also means that there will be more cars on the road and more risk of accidents.”

He provides five tips below to help you keep your car and family safe on your road trip with careful checks and clever planning.

The checks to make before you go:

If you’re going to be driving long distances, ensure your car is in the best possible condition.

Tyre maintenance: Ensure that wheel alignment and balancing have been carried out, that tyres are in good condition, that the tyre tread is within legal limits and that your tyre pressure is according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Don’t forget to check if you do have a spare wheel and ensure that it is in a workable condition.

Check the oil and coolant of your vehicle.

Windscreen and wiper check: Ensure your windscreen is free of cracks and stone chips, which can influence your visibility. Your front and rear wipers should be in good working order to clear rain and debris from the glass. Remember to fill up your windscreen wash.

Book a service: To avoid the inconvenience and expense of a mechanical breakdown, it is a good idea to stick to the service intervals as prescribed by your vehicle manufacturer. Ensure that your vehicle has been serviced before embarking on a road trip.

Stock your emergency supply: Invest in a first-aid kit to help you deal with road trip headaches like motion sickness and cuts. A torch, glow-in-the-dark triangles and plenty of water and wet wipes are always handy to carry with you in the car.

Planning your journey:
Deciding beforehand which routes to take and at which spots to rest will make your drive a less stressful experience - especially if you have little ones in the car! Don’t try to cover too much distance in one day - tiredness and lack of concentration often lead to accidents.

When you plan your trip:
Consult traffic updates via the radio or social media) for weather predictions, route updates and traffic alerts. Share the responsibility of driving so you can take turns driving long distances,” said Malumo.

Driving tips for your road trip:
Some things are non-negotiables when you’re driving, such as drinking and driving or driving under the influence of alcohol – the biggest cause of road accidents in South Africa – and texting or talking on your cell phone while driving.

Always wear a safety belt and make sure all the passengers in the vehicle do too.

Don’t overload your vehicle. It is not worth being the camper with the coolest gear if it makes your car top-heavy and unsafe on the road.

Look out for road hazards, including obstructions like potholes or animals, especially in rural areas. Always expect the unexpected and try to anticipate obstacles before they occur.

Never disobey the speed limit and keep a safe following distance: Accidents often happen when cars overtake one another, misjudging distances and timing.

SOS and Roadside assistance
Make sure you have the number for an emergency or roadside assistance on hand. Most leading insurers will offer complimentary SOS services, so ensure you investigate and have all these details before leaving home.