December is a time of great excitement – thanks to end-of-year parties, the guaranteed time off work and fun festivities with loved ones.
But December also brings with it the ugly and sad – the road accident injuries and fatalities that claim and blight the lives of many South Africans.
As Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula launches the festive season road safety campaign in a bid to reduce the toll by at least 10%, MiWay Insurance – voted South Africa’s best provider of car insurance by the 2019/2020 Ask Afrika Icon Brands Survey – points out drivers can have the most impact on reducing South Africa’s high road death toll.
“According to the 2018 festive season road accident statistics, human error was behind almost nine out of every 10 accidents. This means drivers and pedestrians are the most important factors in making South Africa’s roads safer. It is therefore vital that every road user – whether they be driving, a passenger or a pedestrian – does everything in their power to ensure that they are not responsible for causing or contributing to an accident. Let’s help ensure that every South African arrives home safely to their families and loved ones this festive season,” says Greta Goosen, Head of Client Services at MiWay.
MiWay says motorists can help make South Africa’s roads safer by following these 10 simple rules:
1. Don’t drink and drive
According to 2018’s festive season road accident statistics, the majority of crashes in December and January take place between Saturday and Monday, placing the spotlight firmly on drunk driving. If you intend drinking while socialising, find alternative means to get home or sleep over at the party. If you’re hosting a party, make arrangements for people to get home safely or stay at your place.
2. Be patient and stay focussed
Speeding accounted for a 14% increase in road accidents last festive season, with reckless overtaking increasing by 10%. Drivers need to exercise patience and caution. Adhere to the speed limit and don’t overtake on solid lines, bends or inclines. Obey traffic signs and instructions. Do not make U-turns where expressly forbidden, and when making a U-turn, ensure you can do so safely. Decrease your speed when approaching and navigating a pass.
Focus solely on driving while behind the wheel – do not eat, speak on the phone or text, or pay attention to your children.
3. Show the proper respect to trucks
Trucks were responsible for more accidents than taxis last festive season – 44 versus 34 – and it is critical that motorists have the greatest respect for trucks.
To safely navigate trucks, keep a respectable following distance. When overtaking, only re-enter your lane when you can see the truck in your rear-view mirror. Never cut in front of a truck as they need much more space to brake and come to a safe stop.
4. Ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape
Road and vehicle faults accounted for around one-in-seven traffic collisions last festive season. Before you set off, ensure your tyres are in good condition and are correctly inflated. Also ensure your brakes, wipers and lights are working.
5. Mind the peak
Traffic volumes are expected to spike between 13 and 20 December, and again between 3 and 5 January, so avoid travelling during this time if possible. If you have no choice, exercise extreme caution on the road. If driving a long distance, take frequent breaks – every 200km or two hours is recommended.
6. Walk the talk
Around 35-40% of road deaths are those of pedestrians, according to Arrive Alive. Drivers therefore need to be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in residential and rural areas. Be extra vigilant at night as many pedestrians wearing dark clothing on dimly lit and rural roads are involved in accidents.
7. Send the right signals
Too many South African drivers fail to use their indicators to signal their intentions. Make a concerted effort to indicate before you turn or stop so that fellow motorists know what you intend to do.
8. Fear the unknown
Road conditions have an impact on driving so be cautious if you are travelling on a road with which you are unfamiliar. Reduce your speed if road conditions are poor.
Exercise extreme caution when travelling on the N4 in Nelspruit; R61 in Mbizana, Eastern Cape; R573 in Kwamhlanga, Mpumalanga; R61 in Cradock, Eastern Cape; N1 in Laingsburg, Western Cape; R71 in Mankweng, Limpopo; N2 in Libode, Eastern Cape; R37 in Mecklenburg, Limpopo; M35 in Folweni, KwaZulu-Natal; and N3 in Warden, Free State. These are the 10 most dangerous roads in the country, according to an analysis conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
9. Weather the storm
Drive appropriately for the weather conditions. Slow down if it is raining or visibility is poor. Find a place to stop safely in a hail or severe storm.
10. Show vision
Ensure you are wearing glasses or contact lenses if required for driving. Wear sunglasses if it’s bright and night glasses if needed.
MiWay is a Licensed insurer & FSP 33970. Ts & Cs apply.
Our Top 10 Road Safety Tips for Road Safety 24/7 this Festive Season https://t.co/37RzKKo71X #ArriveAlive #RoadSafety @MbalulaFikile @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/vkEHRWDFM9
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 15, 2019