Tips for protecting yourself on the road over the festive season

While millions of South Africans have already started thinking about their December vacations, few have thought about protecting themselves and their families from the dangers involved in driving to and from their holiday destinations.

According to Executive Head of Sales at Lion of Africa Insurance Company, Haydn Marchant, it’s impractical to think that you are invincible and that nothing can go wrong, when the reality is, you are likely to be involved an accident or breakdown some time in your life. When it happens you want to be sure you are going to be looked after, personally and financially.

“When driving to your holiday destination, it’s vital to have all areas covered for piece of mind and for the safety of you and your loved ones. The roads are busy this time of year and because drivers seem to be excited and in a hurry to get to their holiday destination, often unforeseen disastrous events may occur. Last year’s festive season from 1 December 2006 to 10 January 2007 saw 1 369 fatal crashes and 1 645 road fatalities documented.”

However, Marchant says that with the correct motor insurance, the potential risks of being on the road during this time are significantly reduced. “A good motor insurance policy should provide assistance services such as jump starts, flat tyres, unlocking vehicle and fuel delivery. If you breakdown more than a certain distance from your home, your insurance should be providing overnight accommodation or 24hour car rental. Your insurer should also be offering a 24 hour, 7 days a week service giving medical advice and an information hotline.”

Marchant also has these useful tips for those planning to drive anywhere over the festive season:

Some tips to consider

• It is vital to pay all your insurance premiums so that you are not left without cover. Despite additional demands on your pocket during the festive season ensure you have enough money to pay your premiums ,missing a payment will mean your not covered by your insurance company in the event of a claim…which could be financially overwhelming. Keeping in mind that if you skip a premium you would have to pay double next month, which could be difficult to pay in January.
• Insure you car is road worthy by checking: brakes, steering, tyres (is the spare in good condition), wheel alignment, exhaust system, possible fuel leaks, headlights, indicators, stop and tail lights, windscreen wiper blades & service your car before taking a trip
• Before you embark on your journey ensure all insurance policies are in place, carry a copy on your trip and give a copy to friends or relatives
• Should your journey take you to remote areas ensure that you have relevant spares available i.e. fan belt, radiator hose and always keep a lifting jack and wheel spanner in your vehicle
• Ensure your car license is up to date and you have all necessary documentation, such as Lion of Africa Assist and Lifestyle Benefit Card
• Let friends and family know your route and arrival and departure times and dates
• Check your details of your insurance cover in other countries with your insurance company

• Prepare first aid kit and carry essential medicines on your trip
• If traveling with children plan ahead so as to keep the children occupied with games, music ect.
• Stick to the law so your insurance cover remains in place, don’t drink and drive and wear your seatbelt
• Always maintain a safe traveling distance
• Beware of road and weather conditions, adjust speed accordingly i.e. pot holes, wet roads, livestock crossing
• Ensure you cell phone is fully charged for emergency calls
• Long journeys can be taxing on the driver, take regular breaks and swap drivers so as to avoid fatigue