Marius Kemp, Head of Personal Lines Underwriting at Santam, reveals his savvy road and home safety tips for stress-free travel this Easter long-weekend.

As the Easter long weekend approaches, many South Africans will be looking to take a short break - locking up their homes and hitting the roads for some much-needed down time with loved ones. Unfortunately, increased traffic on the roads as well as leaving one’s home uninhabited or with a house sitter can be stressful.

According to a report from the Road Traffic Management Corporation, the number of fatalities on our roads increased by almost 33% from 207 in 2023 to 236 in 2024.

Commenting on this is Marius Kemp, Head of Personal Lines Underwriting at Santam, who says that while this may be a perfect time for a break, the country’s roads can become unpredictable.

Additionally, he says that locking up one’s home and valuables to go away can also be risky. “Unfortunately, burglaries tend to be on the rise during holiday period. During 2023/24 more than 1.5 million South Africans reported house break-ins,” says Kemp.

“It is therefore crucial to take the necessary precautions and ensure you get to and from your holiday destination safely and have peace-of mind that your home and valuables will be okay while you are gone,” says Kemp.

Kemp shares useful tips below to help you keep your car, family and home safe when you’re off on a road-trip:

Road and care safety tips:

• Car maintenance: In addition to making sure your car is up to date with prescribed services, make sure you check the oil and coolant, head and indictor lights, windscreen wash, wheel alignment, tyre condition and tread as well as tyre pressure. It is also crucial to check your windscreen is free from cracks and stone chips, and that your front and rear wipers are in good working order to clear rain and debris from the glass.
• Proper planning: Before hitting the road ensure that all your paperwork and licensing is in order. Decide beforehand which routes to take and where you will take rest breaks. Tiredness and lack of concentration often lead to accidents. Consistently check news streams for traffic updates – on the radio or on X at @TrafficSA or #traffic. Lastly, ensure you have a road-side SOS number at hand.
• 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.
• The non-negotiables: Under no circumstances is drinking and driving or drinking and texting acceptable. Insist on safety belts for all passengers in the vehicle, obey traffic regulations and do not overload the vehicle.

Protect your home while you are away

• Test your house alarm, as they you may not be covered if the alarm does not work properly.
• Inform the security company of your trip and provide a number of a friend or family member should the alarm go off.
• Arrange for a reliable neighbour, friend or family member to check on the house regularly.
• Revaluate your valuables and belongings to ensure you have sufficient household insurance cover.
• Turn off the water supply to the house to prevent possible damage due to the bursting of a water pipe.
• Unplug electrical appliances (except the fridge) to protect them against power surges and prevent fire risks.
• Switch off all lights or just leave on a side lamp to deter opportunistic crime.
• Check all windows, bolts and security gates to ensure they are locked and secure.
• Leave curtains and blinds open to leave the impression that the house is occupied.
• Pack the car behind closed doors to avoid unwanted attention from potential criminals.
• Switch off the geyser to save electricity.