Keeping Your Family Safe on the Road This Festive Season
Every December, many South Africans take to the roads to visit loved ones, attend year-end celebrations or simply go away for a while. With more cars on the road, more people driving tired and more travel happening at night, the risk of an accident goes up at a time when families should be making memories together. A few simple habits before and during your trip can help you reach your destination safely and bring everyone home again.
Get your car ready
A few days before your trip, check your tyres, including the spare, and make sure your brakes, lights, wipers, oil and water are in good condition. It is much easier to fix a problem at home than on the side of a busy highway. Pack water, snacks, a phone charger for the car and a basic first aid kit.
Plan your route and your stops
Map out your route before you leave, and plan to stop every two hours or 200 km to stretch your legs and rest. No trip is complete without at least one “are we there yet?” from the back seat, and regular stops give everyone a chance to stretch, use the bathroom and ask it a little less often. Let someone at home know your route and when you expect to arrive.
Watch out for tiredness
Driver fatigue is one of the biggest dangers on long trips, because a tired driver reacts more slowly and can fall asleep for a few seconds without realising it. Get a good night’s sleep before you leave and try to avoid driving late at night when your body expects to be asleep. If you notice heavy eyes, constant yawning, drifting out of your lane or missing road signs, pull over somewhere safe and rest. Share the driving with another licensed driver if you can. Coffee may help for a short while, but it cannot replace proper rest.
Keep everyone buckled in and focused
Make sure every person in the car wears a seatbelt, including those in the back seat, and that young children are strapped into car seats that fit them properly. Keep your phone out of reach while driving or ask a passenger to handle calls and directions. Never drink and drive, and please remember that your Affinity Rescue policy does not cover events caused by the influence of alcohol or drugs, unless the medication was prescribed and taken as directed.
If you come across an accident
Park safely, well away from the scene, switch on your hazard lights and put out your warning triangle. Do not rush into moving traffic. Call for help straight away and give the exact location, including the nearest town, off ramp or kilometre marker. Unless there is a fire or another immediate danger, do not move anyone who is injured, and do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet. Stay with them and reassure them until help arrives.
Keep help within reach
Before you leave, save 0861 11 77 74 on every phone in the car, and download the free iER App so that emergency teams can find your location quickly. Remember that your cover only applies within South Africa’s borders, so if your trip will take you into a neighbouring country, plan everything ahead.
Arrive together
The best part of any holiday is rarely the destination, it is being there with the people you love. Take your time, rest when you need to, and enjoy the journey knowing that help is always close by.