The 2024 holiday season is upon us, and for many, that means hitting the road to visit loved ones or spend quality time at their favourite destination. However, South Africa’s roads are among the most hazardous in the world all year round. In 2023 alone, 10,180 people lost their lives on our roads, with 1,427 fatal accidents occurring during the festive season. To avoid becoming part of the statistic, it’s important to take precautions.

Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, shares some tips and advice that’ll help ensure you, your passengers, and other road users arrive safely.

1. Don’t be tired when it comes to your tyres: Take your car to a wheel and tyre specialist to ensure that everything is properly balanced, aligned, and rotated. Make sure that the tread is adequate and that there are no cracks or bulges. Check that you have a spare tyre that is in a good condition. You should also adjust the tyre pressure if you’re packing or towing a heavy load.
2. Hydration for your automation: Your car has six crucial fluids: Oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze or coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Be sure to check all of them and, obviously, top them up if necessary.
3. Ascertain what you need to maintain: Inspect your car’s filters, hoses, and belts. Test your brakes, and make sure that your headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards, and reverse lights are in working order. Life hacks for packers: Ensure that your tyre-changing toolset is complete and functional, and that you have a red warning triangle. Pack a basic first aid kit in case of breakdowns or injuries en route. Other than that, Van Vuuren always recommends packing the three Ps: Phone chargers, playlists, and ‘padkos’.
4. Fatigue is a major contributor to road accidents. If you start to feel drowsy while behind the wheel, pull over and rest if it’s safe to do so. If you have a licensed driver in the car with you, take turns to drive.
5. Distracted driving is another major cause of road accidents. Don’t text and drive – ever! Also avoid fiddling with the navigation or sound system, eating and drinking, and anything else that takes your attention away from your number one task: Arriving unscathed.

Van Vuuren also advises you to be aware of other drivers. “You might be cautious, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is. Look out for other cars moving unpredictably and adjust your driving to match road conditions. Be patient, avoid unnecessary risks, and remember that everyone in the car must always wear their seatbelt.”

Lastly, check your car insurance before hitting the road. Ensure that you have comprehensive cover for any loss and damage, as well as third-party liability, and emergency roadside and medical assistance in case something goes wrong.