When it comes to the number of road deaths per capita, South Africa is listed in 13th place globally. More than 130,000 people have tragically died on our roads in the past decade alone, and road safety remains a daily concern for many motorists.
While it’s unlikely that we’ll ever have completely incident-free roads, there are measures we can take to keep ourselves, our vehicles, and our families safe as we go about our daily travels. Since January is road safety awareness month, we have listed some precautions that South African motorists can take to stay safe.
Important Safety Concerns
There are four critical road safety factors that motorists should consider. They are:
- The roadworthiness of your vehicle.
- General awareness of your surroundings.
- Have tracking and dash camera equipment installed.
- The actions of others on the road as well as your own.
There are specific tips to keep in mind related to these factors, and we’ll list and discuss each one in a little more detail below.
Ensure Your Vehicle’s Roadworthiness
The roadworthiness of your vehicle can have a significant impact on your safety. It’s also one of the few measures over which you have complete control. It’s vital to test your car if you have any concerns and take any professional advice.
Doing so will reduce the risk of your car breaking down or causing an accident and save you money in the long run.
Identifying electrical and mechanical faults early on can save your life. Similarly, preventing expensive components, like your clutch or engine, from deteriorating, can negate costly repairs.
Inspect your lights, indicators, brakes, windscreen wipers, wheel alignment, exhaust system and tyres regularly. Your service or maintenance plan might cover some of these components, so we recommend checking with your motor financial service provider about what you’re entitled to under your policy.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Other Drivers
We understand that the environment and the behaviour of other motorists are entirely out of your control. However, in many instances, simply being aware of your surroundings can save your life and others’ lives.
Here’s a simple example:
You can adjust your style of driving to counteract terrible weather conditions. If it’s raining, turn on your headlights and windscreen wipers, maintain a safe following distance and reduce your speed.
If the conditions are bad, turn on your hazards. You must remain extra alert in foggy or rainy conditions to spot any unexpected hurdles like stationary vehicles or large road obstructions.
Take note of what other motorists are doing. If you detect a particular pedestrian or driver that’s acting dangerously or recklessly, try to avoid them and report your observations to authorities as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Have Tracking or Dash Camera Equipment Installed
South Africa has an exceedingly high crime rate. As a motorist, you’re vulnerable to criminal activities such as hijackings, smash-and-grabs, and other road safety risks. When you’re driving, be aware of which areas can present a threat of illegal activity.
Installing a vehicle recovery system may be one of the best choices you can make to protect your car. Should it be hijacked, the system will use wireless and GPS Technology to signal a monitoring service like EKS Tracking Solutions or the police. This can aid in the recovery process.
A dashcam allows you to monitor your vehicle remotely and enables you to protect yourself with the recordings. Dash cameras can record accidents, opportunistic criminals, or other unlawful activities, allowing you to keep useful evidence in case of legal action.
Always Abide by the Basic Road Safety Rules
There are rules in place to protect us as we travel. Here are a few basic road safety rules that you should always obey:
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Don’t drive when tired.
- Always stick to the speed limit.
- Overtake other vehicles only when it’s safe.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Always wear a seatbelt. Also, insist that all passengers do the same.
- Be alert and avoid distractions while driving – like texting while driving.
- Use your lights when necessary so that other drivers can see you.
- Dim your headlights when oncoming vehicles are within range of the main beam.
- Secure babies younger than 12 months or up to 10kg in a rear-facing car seat in the back of a vehicle.
Following these rules can save your life and the lives of other drivers.
Obey Restrictions
Due to the current lockdown restrictions, there are certain laws we all need to obey. Ensure that you’re at home or your destination before curfew at 9PM. Don’t drive with any alcohol in your car and pay attention to vehicle capacity restrictions. Remember, if you get pulled over or caught, you can pay a substantial fined or even be arrested.
Final Word
When it comes to road safety, knowledge is power. Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and always be aware of your surroundings while driving. Install tracking and dash camera equipment to protect your car for an additional layer of security.
By following the road rules, you can lessen the risk presented by our busy highways and often unmaintained residential roads. If we learn how to avoid dangerous situations, we can improve our poor road safety statistics and prevent unnecessary loss of life.
Remember to wear your mask and stay safe!
