Drive Accident-Free these Holidays

Summer in South Africa is a wonderful time of year with warm weather, outdoor activities, and lots of people taking their long annual leave for the festive season. Travel restrictions and social distancing may mean more people road-tripping for the holidays. Let’s all play our part to make this year as accident-free as possible!

Avoid peak travel days

It’s not always easy but if your family’s schedule is flexible enough around leave days, try to set off on your holiday outside peak travel times. Wednesday 16th December 2020 (Day of Reconciliation) is a public holiday and the second half of December is when the roads start hotting up. Ideally you want to try and leave in the first half of the month and perhaps travel back earlier. 

Focus on the road 

Road trips have so many potential distractions. Checking directions on your GPS, admiring the scenery, engaging with your travel buddies, and fighting tiredness at the end of a long day’s drive all divert your attention away from the road at some level. 

The moment you feel drowsy, pull over when it’s safe and swop drivers or rest. If possible, get out of your car and stretch your legs, take in deep breaths of oxygen as you walk about to get your circulation going.

3 basic driver rules:

1. Always focus your attention on the road.

2. Never text or talk on your cell phone. 

3. Stop when tired.

Drink but don’t drive

Combined with sun exposure and fatigue, intoxication can sneak up on you. Car insurance does not cover drunken driving accidents. If you’re going out with friends and plan to drink, choose a designated driver beforehand. Failing that, you can make use of a designated driver service. Some services will require registration so be sure to plan ahead. Scooter Angels, Good Fellas, and Uber are examples of services available in South Africa. Check details on their website to decide which one suits you best as they all have their own method of operating. Stay off the roads if you feel unfit to drive for any reason. 

Service your vehicle

The inconvenience of getting stuck on the side of the road after a breakdown is minor compared to the danger and safety risk of an accident. Full vehicle service and proper tyre check is a must to avoid an unexpected malfunction.   

For motorcyclists

Hundreds of motorcycles are involved in crashes each year on South African roads. Motorcyclists can avoid an accident or injury if they follow these rules:

1. Do a quick safety check before riding off. Check tyre pressure, brakes, headlights, and turn signals. 

2. Make sure all cargo is properly secured and balanced for a smooth ride.

3. Wear a helmet that meets safety standards.

4. Dress in appropriate gear, wear boots, gloves, protective eyewear, and clothes with reflective materials so you always remain visible on the road.

5. Be cautious and go slowly in slippery and wet conditions.

6. Never drive under the influence of substances such as alcohol, prescription sedatives, pain medications, or other drugs including marijuana.

Get your cash back bonus

Driving safely pays off especially if you’re insured for comprehensive car cover through Dialdirect. The Payback Bonus pays back up to 25% on all your premiums, or your entire first year's premiums (whichever is less) in cash after four consecutive years of claim-free cover.  

Opt for the Payback or Monthly Payback and you qualify for monthly payouts for all comprehensively insured vehicles included in your policy premium. 

You can also activate the Payback Booster at an additional monthly fee. Thereafter your Monthly Payback will be paid into your selected bank account within the first 10 working days of the month when all conditions are met. So why not insure all your vehicles through Dialdirect – we have the right insurance for your car, motorbike, boat, caravan, and even your golf cart.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of the content. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of the company.