Keep safe on the road - don’t be a statistic: SAIA

Johannesburg - With the Easter weekend looming, the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) has urged all road users to be cautious and obey the traffic laws ahead of the peak traffic period.

This period is synonymous with fatal accidents and according to Arrive Alive reckless driving continues to be one of the top causes of accidents. In 2014 the majority of crashes were caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles and rolling, followed by head-tail collisions and vehicles leaving the road. Speed and aggressive driver behaviour have shown to also play a role: Ms. Viviene Pearson, SAIA Acting Chief Executive, has made a plea to road users to exert caution when driving during this time."We call on all road users to be careful and vigilant on our roads ahead of the Easter weekend. All motorists and pedestrians should be considerate and ensure their own safety and that of their family as well as other road users" she says.

Here are some safety tips to follow that can not only save your life but save the lives of other road users.

Travel during the day and reach your destination on time

Do not drink and drive

Do not text or talk on your mobile phone while driving

Be on the lookout for pedestrians

Rest after every two hours of driving

Physically check if all the doors are locked when leaving the vehicle unattended

It is crucial for a vehicle to be roadworthy as this is could be a deciding factor between arriving alive or not. Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy by
All tyres are in good condition and conform to regulations (including the spare tyre)

That brakes and shock absorbers are tested and in good condition

That the battery is still in good condition

That the windscreen wipers are in good working condition

All windows and mirrors provide good visibility:
All electrical components (including lights and indicators) are working and, if you are towing a caravan, trailer or boat, that the electrical feed from your towbar is working

Ms. Pearson adds, "We also advise road users to take the following guidelines on road safety into consideration and to ensure that you have adequate motor insurance cove "The Easter period is a wonderful period but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if the necessary arrangements and preparations are not done. Do not be caught off guard. Ensure that you:

Keep your policy number and 24hr road assistance number handy for in case of an emergency

Make certain that your insurance premiums are up to date

Remember to advise your insurance company if you are travelling outside of South Africa

Make certain that the driver/s have valid driver's licences at all times

The Automobile Association of South Africa yesterday also cautioned motorists and recommended that they have a detailed route planned for their trip and that drivers ensure they stop for breaks every two hours or two hundred kilometres. The association cited driver fatigue as extremely dangerous, not only for the passengers and driver in one car, but for all other road users."The Easter holiday period has for many years been marred by high accident and death rates on South African roads and it is important that motorists remain vigilant and alert during their journey. Adhering to the speed limits and maintaining a safe following distance is important, as is ensuring all passengers are properly buckled in."

While the Easter weekend begins on Friday, 3 April, the Inland School term ends on 25 March which will lead to an increase in traffic volumes on the N3 and N4 and the N1 and N2 to Cape Town. The N1 to Limpopo will be especially busy on the days before Good Friday as members of the ZCC head to Moria for their annual pilgrimage," the association warned, while further pointing out that motorists need to be aware of the expected heavier traffic volumes on these days and on the days before 13 April when Inland Schools resume for their second term.