With the alarming rates of collisions and injuries on the road in South Africa, it’s vital for drivers to remain vigilant and put safety first at every opportunity behind the wheel. A small lapse of judgement or moment of inattentiveness can be the difference between a smooth ride and ending up with an accident-damaged or wrecked car (and the possibility of injuries). But accidents happen and sometimes they are beyond our control, making it important to know the steps to take should you be involved in a crash or find yourself with a broken down car.
Avoid becoming the next statistic (or driver trying to navigate life with an accident-damaged car) by bearing in mind the following tips to aid in your safety behind the wheel:
#1 Don’t get distracted
Distracted driving is a menace that lurks on our roads, with profound consequences that impact not only the driver but also fellow road users.
Statistics show that an alarming 40% of drivers are on their phones at any given time in South Africa, creating a major distraction for motorists (and a shocking reality for fellow road users including responsible drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians).
Texting, calling, or even glancing at your phone while driving is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Rather pull over to take a call and arrive 2 minutes late than end up with an accident-damaged car.
#2 Maintain a roadworthy car
It may seem obvious, but ensuring your vehicle is in an operational condition is crucial for safety on the roads. Regular maintenance and pre-trip inspections can identify potential issues before they become hazardous.
Have you seen a warning light flashing on your dashboard or noted a strange noise? Rather get these issues attended to by a professional before it is too late.
#3 Put on your safety belt
Seat belts are your first line of defence in the unfortunate incident of a collision.
It is not only the responsibility of the driver to wear a safety belt, but all passengers must make it a habit to buckle up every time they’re on the road (no matter the distance of the trip).
#4 Combat driver fatigue
Long journeys can lead to exhaustion and driver fatigue, impairing your ability to make split-second decisions.
Opt to take short breaks during long journeys (preferably every 2 hours) and refresh your mind before continuing. If you didn’t get a good night’s rest, rather ask a friend or family member to get behind the wheel or opt to take public transport.
#5 Plan Ahead
An obvious, but important point to note. A well-planned journey is a safer journey. Know your route, anticipate traffic conditions, and avoid the rush in order to reduce stress and improve safety.
Rather arrive a few minutes late than end up with an accident-damaged car.
#6 Look out for pedestrians
Safety on the road is a collective effort involving drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists alike.
Remember that pedestrians have the right of way at pedestrian crossings and intersections. In South Africa, where jay-walking is a reality, it’s vital to be vigilant at all times of pedestrians looking to cross the road at any place (whether it’s legal or not).
Always remain alert and yield when necessary.
#7 Don’t drink & drive
According to Arrive Alive, 50% of people who die on the roads in South Africa have a blood alcohol concentration of above 0.05g per 100ml.
‘Don’t drink and drive’ is not just a slogan, but a matter of life and death. Not only can drunk or even slightly intoxicated drivers contribute to rising crash statistics (and accident-damaged cars), but if found out by police, they could lose their driver’s licence and be sentenced to prison for a maximum of 6 years.
Commit to never getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
#8 Share the road
Motorcyclists and cyclists are legitimate road users. The popular bumper sticker ‘stay wider of the rider’ is a legitimate and serious call to motorists to make a special effort to give way to these road users.
Give them the space they need and be cautious when overtaking.
#9 Navigate breakdowns safely
Despite our best efforts to keep our cars in optimal, functional condition, breakdowns are a reality that we must know how to navigate.
Follow these steps to optimise your safety in the event of being stuck with a non-running car:
- Activate your hazard lights
- Move to safety (preferably a safe location that’s free from traffic, if possible)
- Remain inside the vehicle and call for help (and if you have decided to sell your non-running car, there’s someone who will take care of the towing)
- Do not attempt to conduct repairs on a busy road.
Want to sell your accident-damaged car?
Accidents happen, despite our best efforts. If your car is going to be too costly to repair, then selling your wrecked vehicle is a viable and hassle-free solution.
Make sure to sell your accident-damaged or non-running car online to a trustworthy platform that ticks the following boxes:
- Highly rated on Hellopeter
- Free towing services
- Instant cash
- Competitive, industry-related payouts
- Fast turnaround times.