By: Dipesh Radia, Chief Commercial Officer at Momentum Insure

As Easter approaches, tens of thousands of South Africans are ready to swap the daily grind for long-distance road trips and priceless family memories. But with more vehicles on the road comes greater risk – distracted drivers, unpredictable weather, and deteriorating road conditions are all part of the mix. The statistics speak for themselves.

According to a Road Traffic Management Corporation report, 355 people lost their lives over Easter last year. KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng recorded the highest number of fatalities with ‘human factors’ contributing 94.6% to fatal crashes.

Dipesh Radia, Chief Commercial Officer at Momentum Insure, urges South Africans to take proactive steps to make safety a central part of their Easter travel plans.

“Whether you’re travelling across provinces or just heading out for the day, road safety is a collective effort,” says Radia. “Understanding what support is available to you – before you need it – can make a real difference.”

Here are five essential safety must-haves to consider before hitting the road:

1. Know what’s available to you in an emergency

Before hitting the road, familiarise yourself with your insurer’s emergency support tools like crash-detection services or roadside assistance. Then, you need to make sure these are activated and working.

“Being prepared means more than packing snacks and a playlist,” says Radia. “Knowing how to access help when it matters most can be lifesaving.”

Many insurance apps now include real-time safety features that can alert emergency responders if you're involved in a serious accident. For instance, Momentum Insure’s Accident Alert automatically detects a severe collision via your mobile device and immediately dispatches emergency services to your location – even if you’re unable to call for help yourself.

2. Beat the traffic – plan smart, not fast

Getting there safely is more important than getting there first. Use travel apps to avoid peak traffic periods and identify safer routes. Always allow extra time for unexpected delays.

“A rushed driver is a risky driver,” says Radia. “Speeding, aggressive overtaking and fatigue are common factors in Easter-related crashes.” Schedule regular rest stops – ideally every two hours – to stay fresh and focused, especially on long-haul trips.

3. Do a full vehicle check – not just a tank refill

A safe journey starts with a roadworthy car. Before you leave, inspect your tyres (including the spare), brake lights, wipers, oil, water and brake pads. “We see too many claims that come down to avoidable mechanical issues,” notes Radia. “A quick check before you leave can prevent a major incident later. If your vehicle hasn’t been serviced recently, don’t leave it to chance – book it in before the holidays.”

4. Prepare your home before you go

It’s easy to overlook home safety in the rush to get on the road. Let a neighbour know you’ll be away, set timers for lights, double-check your alarm system, and review your insurance details in case anything happens while you’re gone. “Cover starts at home,” says Radia. “Make sure your policy is up to date, that you understand what’s included, and that the regular driver on your vehicle policy is correctly listed.”

5. Make use of tools that reward safer driving

Many insurers now offer benefits linked to good driving habits – from cashback to discounts and other rewards. If your policy includes a safe-driving programme, take the time to understand how it works and what you need to do to qualify.

These tools typically track driving behaviour via an app, rewarding smooth braking, steady speeds, and safe travel times. It’s a simple way to turn responsible driving into real savings.

For example, Momentum Insure’s Safe Dayz™ rewards clients based on the number of days they achieve an average score of 80% or higher in a month, calculated by evaluating specific driving behaviours. The safer you drive, the more Safe Dayz you accumulate – and over time, these can translate into a percentage of your premiums back in cash through the Safety Returns rewards programme.

“It’s about more than the reward,” says Radia. “It’s about reinforcing and stacking good habits that help make our roads safer for everyone.”

This Easter, make safety part of your travel plans – not just an afterthought. “By taking a few simple steps, you’re not just reducing risk but prioritising peace of mind for you and your family over the holidays. A little preparation can go a long way towards a safer, more enjoyable holiday,” Radia concludes.

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