Preparation key to be safe driving during the Easter holiday

Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances.

When it comes to the number of road fatalities, South Africa is ranked the worst out of 36 countries in the International Transport Forum's Road Safety Report. Ahead of the Easter holiday, it is important for motorists to ensure that they are properly prepared before embarking on their holiday trip in order to reduce the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident.

This is according to Christelle Fourie, Managing Director of MUA Insurance Acceptances, who says that smart planning ahead of the holiday can make a significant difference should a motorist become involved in an accident or emergency, especially while away from home.

On average, more than 1 400 road fatalities occur during the festive season, according to the Department of Transport, largely due to negligence and reckless driving.

"Regardless of whether the trip takes place on national roads, or closer to home, it is important for motorists to make sure that they know what to do in the case of an accident or medical emergency," says Fourie.

She suggests the following preparation steps before travelling on holiday:

• Service the car: It is always a good idea to have the car regularly serviced to ensure it is in a roadworthy condition in order to reduce the chance of having a break down. Most service centres offer this service all year round and should include the following checks: tyre pressure; condition of lights and brakes; checking the windscreen for cracks; ensuring windscreen wipers are effective; appropriate fluid levels (oil and water); as well as checking steering, wheel alignment, exhaust and shocks.

• Plan the route: The last thing anyone wants is to break down in the middle of nowhere. By planning routes in advance, motorists can better ensure they are always close to service stations and emergency services should they be needed.

• Emergency information: When travelling, both insurance and medical aid cards should be carried on the person, with a spare copy stored in the cubbyhole. In addition, important details such as the name of emergency service provider, blood group and contact details of next of kin should also be stored.

• Emergency contact number: It has become a common protocol for emergency personal to check a person's phone for a contact called ICE [In Case of Emergency] should the victim be unable respond following an accident. As a result, it is a good idea to save an emergency contact under the name ICE ahead of travelling to ensure someone can be notified of the situation.

• Remove old insurance decals: Motorists should remove any old insurance, medical aid and emergency provider decals from the vehicle before departing. In doing so, this will prevent delays in getting the correct information in the event of an emergency. If decals are faded, emergency personnel may ignore these, as they may perceive the membership being outdated or invalid.

• Place insurance information on vehicle: Place the latest vehicle decals on the driver-side of the vehicle, either on the rear window or the small window behind the rear passenger's window. Placing the decal on the driver side of the car is more visible to emergency personnel - being the first area they approach when attending to a vehicle in an emergency. These windows are generally the least damaged during most motor vehicle accidents.

• Insurance cover: If the trip involves visiting a neighbouring country, it is important for travellers to check with their insurance company whether they will be covered in the event of an emergency. Most people assume that they are automatically covered by their insurance providers when they visit another country, which puts them at risk of being left out of pocket or worse.

• Emergency kit: Always be prepared. Store an emergency kit in the car that includes items, which would come in handy if stranded on the side of the road or involved in a vehicle accident.

"When on the road it is important for motorists to remain vigilant at all times, especially over the Easter period. By preparing properly before travelling, accidents can be better avoided and emergency situations can be dealt with quickly," concludes Fourie.