Motorists have been warned that cold, wet and windy conditions throughout South Africa could make travelling over the long weekend more challenging than usual.
As National Women’s Day falls on Sunday, 9 August, the public holiday will be observed on Monday, 10 August, giving South Africans an extra day off work.
That being said, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted poor weather in several regions across the country, which could pose a danger for motorists.
Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head of Personal Lines at Miway Insurance, has said that looming bad weather increases the importance of vehicle safety checks and good driving habits.
“Wet roads, reduced visibility and strong winds place additional strain on both drivers and cars,” she explained
“These conditions can quickly turn even a routine journey into a stressful and potentially costly experience when motorists are not adequately prepared.”
No matter the length of the journey, whether it be a road trip, day trip, or a quick family outing, Sibeko recommended giving your family vehicle a thorough walkaround before setting off.
“Drivers cannot control the weather, but they can control how prepared they are for it,” she said.
Sibeko also shared a basic safety checklist that drivers can tick off before leaving their home this weekend:
- Tyre pressure and tread depth;
- Headlights, brake lights and indicators;
- Windscreen wipers and washer fluid levels;
- Emergency contact information;
- Vehicle tracking details and emergency response numbers, where applicable;
- Spare wheel and emergency equipment; and
- Fuel levels for longer journeys.
“Tyres, lights and windscreen wipers are particularly important in poor weather conditions. If any of these are not functioning properly, a driver’s ability to react safely can be compromised,” she explained.
Despite being a relatively lengthy list, Sibeko said that most of these checks can be completed in a few minutes and could help motorists avoid breakdowns and preventable accidents.
Additional safeguards
While a vehicle may be roadworthy and in good condition, Sibeko warned that driver behaviour remains one of the biggest contributors to incidents on South Africa’s roads.
Long weekends also often involve early departures, long journeys and busy schedules, which all increase the risk of fatigue.
Additionally, navigation apps, mobile phones, and even in-car technology could create distractions for drivers at exactly the wrong moment.
“Fatigue and distracted driving can significantly affect concentration, reaction times and decision-making,” explained Sibeko.
“Many drivers underestimate how quickly a momentary lapse in attention can turn into a serious incident.”
To safeguard against these, she recommended planning routes well in advance and setting navigation systems before departure.
Once on the road, drivers have been urged to take regular breaks, especially on longer trips, and avoid the temptation to check messages or notifications while driving.
Sibeko’s final recommendation is for motorists to take a few minutes to review whether their insurance details are correct and up to date.
This includes confirming contact details, understanding the benefits available under your particular policy and ensuring your insurer has been informed of any relevant changes to your circumstances.
According to Sibeko, insurance is meant to provide peace of mind for when the unexpected happens.
“Taking a moment to ensure your details and cover are accurate before travelling can help make the claims process as smooth as possible should you need assistance,” she said.
While safety checks are particularly important leading up to busy travel periods, including long weekends, or during adverse weather conditions, they should also form part of every driver’s routine.
“These are not just long-weekend tips. Whether you’re heading out on holiday or simply driving to work, the same principles apply,” Sibeko concluded.
“A few minutes spent checking your vehicle, staying alert and ensuring your cover is up to date can go a long way towards protecting both your safety and your finances.”
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