How to stay safe on South Africa’s most dangerous roads

South Africa is a beautiful country with many attractions and scenic routes to explore. But it also has some of the most dangerous roads in the world, with high rates of deaths and injuries each year. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the top 10 roads and areas with the highest number of deaths nationwide are:

• In Limpopo, on the R71 near Mankweng, the R37 in Mecklenburg and the N1 near Naboomspruit (also known as Mookgophong).
• In Mpumalanga, via the R573 (known as Moloto Road) and the N4 near Nelspruit.
• In the Eastern Cape, on the N2, near Mount Ayliff and Dutywa.
• In KwaZulu Natal, on the N2 near Umkhomazi and Pongola.
• In the Free State, on the N3 near Harrismith.

These roads are known for their poor conditions, high volume of traffic, reckless driving and speeding. If you plan to travel on these roads or any other roads in South Africa, you should be very careful and prepared.

Here are some tips from King Price Insurance on how to stay safe on South Africa’s most dangerous roads:

1. Check your car’s roadworthiness

Before embarking on your trip, make sure your car is in good condition and has all the necessary safety features. Check your tires, brakes, lights, indicators, wipers, steering and exhaust system. If you notice any faults, remove them as soon as possible. You don’t want to break down or cause an accident on a dangerous road.

2. Plan your route and time your trip

Use a GPS navigation tool to plan your trip. Avoid traveling at night, in bad weather, or during rush hour. Choose the shortest and safest route possible and avoid roads that are known to be dangerous. If you must travel on a dangerous road, be alert and drive defensively. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and take regular breaks to rest and stretch.

3. Obey the traffic rules and the speed limit.

Human error is the most common cause of accidents on South African roads. Don’t drink while driving, don’t text while driving, don’t pass in blind spots or solid lines, and don’t tailgate or cut off other drivers. Respect the rights and responsibilities of other road users and follow posted signs and signals. Observe the speed limit and adjust your speed based on road and weather conditions. Speeding can save time, but it also increases the risk of losing control, crashing, or receiving a ticket.

4. Wear your seat belt and secure your passengers

Wearing a seat belt is not only the law, but also the best way to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of a collision. Make sure everyone in your car is buckled up and children under 12 are in the back seat with appropriate child restraints or booster seats. Do not overload your car and do not transport passengers or cargo that are not properly secured. Loose objects can become projectiles in an accident and cause serious injury or damage.

5. Keep valuables out of sight and lock doors

South Africa has a high crime rate and some roads are more prone to theft, kidnapping and vandalism. Don’t leave your valuables, such as your phone, wallet, laptop, or luggage, visible in your car. Keep them in your trunk or take them with you when you stop. Lock your doors and windows when driving and be careful of strangers approaching you or your car.

6. Have emergency contacts and insurance.

No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. That is why it is necessary to have emergency contacts and insurance. Save police, ambulance, fire and roadside assistance numbers in your phone and have them handy in case of emergency. Also, make sure you have adequate insurance for your car. King Price Insurance offers comprehensive, affordable car insurance that covers you for theft, fire, accidental damage and liability. You can also add optional extras, such as car rental and emergency assistance, to suit your needs and budget.

We hope these tips help you stay safe and enjoy your trips on South Africa’s most dangerous roads. Remember, prevention is better than cure and insurance is better than regret. With King Price Insurance, you can enjoy peace of mind and hassle-free claims wherever the road takes you. For a no-obligation quote, simply click here or WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50.

Psst… This blog provides general information only and does not count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums depend on risk profile and T&Cs apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy drafting) can always be found here.

The T&Cs of our website can be found here.

Summary

Article name

How to stay safe on South Africa’s most dangerous roads

Description

South Africa has some of the most dangerous roads in the world. Here are some tips from King Price Insurance on how to avoid accidents and enjoy your trip.

Author

The king

Publisher name

king price insurance

Publisher logo