It’s nearly time for the first big holiday season of the year: the Easter weekend, followed by a couple of short working weeks, courtesy of Freedom Day and Worker’s Day.
A potential 18 days off for 8 days leave?
Sadly, the break doesn’t coincide with school holidays, so while the roads heading north and to the coast are likely to be busy, many people will be opting for a staycation this year.
Either way, there are a few basic precautions you should be taking to get through the holiday season unscathed.
“We all want to relax and have a good time over the holidays, but we have to be alert to the risks, whether on the road or at home.
Last year, 235 people died on South Africa’s roads over the Easter weekend alone, and it is also a time of increased opportunistic crime,” said Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance.
Here are his top tips to stay safe if you are hitting the road:
Get your vehicle ready
You know the drill. Check your tyres. Top up your fluids. Make sure everything is in working order. If you are towing a trailer or caravan, make sure that it is road-trip-ready too. It is also worth checking your medical emergency kit, and making sure your tyre-changing tools are present and in working condition.
Do not drive tired
Fatigue remains one of the biggest killers on South Africa’s roads. If you are doing a long drive, get enough sleep the night before. If you get tired, pull over and take a break, or give someone else a turn behind the wheel.
Drive defensively
“You might be a careful driver, but that doesn’t mean everybody else is. Stay focused, and be alert to road conditions and other road users’ unpredictable overtaking manoeuvres and behaviour,” says Van Vuuren.
Rather arrive a few minutes later than try ridiculously risky overtaking yourself.
Avoid distractions
Using our cellphones while we drive is a major cause of accidents. Do not do it. If you have to use your phone, wait for a stop. Make sure everyone in the vehicle understands the importance of not distracting the driver.
If you are hitting the back garden:
Check your security systems
Make sure your alarm, electric fence and beams are all in working order. Like most household appliances, these should all be tested regularly.
Do not think criminals are on holiday too
Easter is often a peak housebreaking time. If you leave your house, even just for a few minutes, make sure that your doors and windows are secured, and your alarm is armed. Keep the electric fence on and the gates locked when you are entertaining. Do not let your guests park on the pavement.
Do not become a hijack victim
Hijacking is rapidly becoming the leading type of vehicle crime in South Africa, even in Bloemfontein. Even if you are just taking a trip to the mall with family, stay alert: one of the most common places people are hijacked is their own driveway. Do not be the hero – if a hijack happens, just give up your car and your possessions.
Keep your valuables covered
“People often think insurance will pay out if their laptop, cellphone or jewellery is stolen while they are out. They are wrong. Make sure that the high-value items you take with when you go out are insured as portable possessions, and specified, or they are not covered,” said Van Vuuren.
