Tips for staying safe on the roads over the long Easter weekend

Tips for staying safe on the roads over the long Easter weekend

For many, the Easter long weekend means family gatherings, breakaways, and road trips. In 2024, some 13.2 million cars travelled on our highways during this period. Sadly, however, 335 travellers lost their lives over the Easter weekend in 2024.

With accidents happening more frequently and severely, Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, shares some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads.

Before you leave:

Pop the hood. Check that the engine oil, water, brake fluid, and windscreen wiper levels are where they should be. Have a good look at the battery and, if it’s leaking, or it looks swollen, replace it.

Get a clear view. If your windscreen wipers are streaking, skipping, slipping or squeaking, it’s time for a new set. Dirty windows and mirrors will affect what you see, especially at night, so make sure they’re squeaky clean.

Be wise about your tyres. Make sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and remember to account for a heavy load if necessary. The guidelines are normally stuck inside the sill of the driver’s door. Check that the tread meets the legal requirements. Don’t forget that your car has five tyres: The spare is as important as the other four.

Light it up. Test that the indicator, brake, bright, and hazard lights are working. If you’re towing a trailer or caravan, check these lights as well.

Check your insurance. “Make sure that your premiums are paid up to date and in full, and that your insurer has all your correct information. Find out whether your cover includes emergency roadside, accident, and medical assist… Just in case. You should also brush up on what you need to do in case of an accident,” advises Van Vuuren.

On the road:

Buckle up. Not only is it a legal requirement for everyone to wear their seatbelt at all times, but it could also literally save your life. If you have children, check that they have the correct size and type of car seat.

Don’t drive distracted. When you’re driving, you have one job: To focus on the road, keep an eye on the traffic, and be aware of pedestrians. Your ‘co-pilot’ should be the one changing the playlist, handing out the padkos, and answering the phone.

Arrive alive. Don’t drink and drive – under any circumstances, ever.

Obey the rules. The speed limit isn’t a suggestion. Going too fast isn’t likely to save much time overall; it’s more likely to cause an accident.

Rest when you need to. Driving long distances is exhausting. If you’re the only driver, take regular breaks, stretch, and clear your mind. If there’s another licensed driver in the car, take turns behind the wheel.

“The Easter holidays are a great opportunity to disconnect from the business of our daily lives, and to reconnect with family and friends. But unfortunately, for some, the holidays also mean road accidents. Following these tips should go a long way towards ensuring that you reach your destination, and make it back home, safely,” says Van Vuuren.