With the Easter holiday fast approaching, many South African families are taking to the road for a long weekend breakaway. However, with road fatalities having increased by 51% over the Easter period in 2017, road users are urged to ensure that they are prepared for any emergencies that may occur on the journey.
This is according to Marcia Le Roux, Head of Medical and Travel at Europ Assistance South Africa, who advises all commuters on the roads this Easter holiday to make full use of the services provided by their insurer to stay safe along the way.
“Travelling can be a stressful ordeal, especially with children it, and it is therefore easy to forget the small things that require additional planning and preparation.”
Le Roux provides the following tips for families planning to travel this Easter holiday:
1. Install a trip monitor
If you have a long drive to your destination, it is advisable to have a trip monitor service in place. A team of case managers will maintain regular contact with you during your journey, keeping track of your whereabouts and ensuring that you reach your destination safely. The case managers can offer help and advice in case of a breakdown, or even if you become lost in an unfamiliar area.
2. Roadside assistance is vital
Roadside assistance may be one of the most important add-ons to your vehicle insurance policy, and is crucial during busy, holiday periods. Having the service in place will alleviate the stress of the back and forth calls with towing companies should your car break down. Depending on the type of cover you have in place, this service can help you deal with almost any breakdown related issue, including a depleted battery, flat tyre or even if running out of fuel. Find out from your insurer what your roadside assistance policy covers and make sure that you have all the relevant contact numbers on your phone before starting the journey.
3. Do not neglect your windscreen
It is important to conduct a full vehicle safety check before you embark on your holiday, and to make sure that all car insurance premiums are up-to-date. The windscreen is an often overlooked aspect of road safety as
many vehicle owners do not generally know is how essential the windscreen is to the car’s structure. Do not ignore chips or cracks as these can quickly become much larger problems. Make use of your insurer’s windscreen repair and maintenance services and see to any damage immediately.
4. Emergency medical assistance can save your life
Contact your insurer to find out if you have access to emergency medical assistance services as part of the policy. If not, ask your insurer how to add this service as an add-on to one of your existing policies. In the event of a medical emergency, trained paramedics will assess each situation and dispatch the most appropriate medical response transportation via air or by road, which can mean the difference between life and death.
5. Your home can have an emergency as well
Unfortunately, home emergencies often happen at the most inopportune time. While you are lounging on the beach far away, a burst pipe or overflowing geyser can seriously spoil your holiday mood. It is therefore recommended that all geysers and water mains are switched off before departing on your journey. Also ensure that your home contents insurance is up to date and that the policy includes a home assistance service that can take emergency remedial actions on your behalf.
“By taking note of this advice holidaymakers can ensure that unforeseen events over the Easter period do not derail their family getaway. Holidaymakers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the various benefits available as part of their current insurance policies as most do include similar services,” concludes Le Roux.