This post was published on Jan 9, 2026 | Updated on Feb 12, 2026
Owning a car is more than a symbol of independence, it’s a responsibility. Each time you get behind the wheel, you hold not only your life but the lives of others in your hands. Responsible driving isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about awareness, preparation, and consistent care for both your vehicle and your mindset.
Traffic on South African roads is intensifying: the overall vehicle population rose from around 12.96 million in 2022 to approximately 13.13 million in 2023 (an increase of about 1.3 %).
With more cars on the road, the margin for error shrinks. At iWYZE, we believe responsible driving can be life-saving. With South Africa’s roads becoming busier every year, road safety must always come first. Below is your guide to driving responsibly, ensuring your car, your habits, and your insurance are all aligned to keep you safe.
Ruth Mndebele, Acting Coaching and Gees Champion | Customer Care, comments:
“The Drive Smart, Live WYZE article is a strong and practical reminder that responsible driving goes far beyond simply obeying traffic laws ,it is about protecting lives in an environment where South African roads are becoming increasingly congested. I appreciate how the article combines real statistics, clear legal guidelines, and practical tips such as maintaining safe following distances, ensuring vehicle roadworthiness, and adapting to local challenges like potholes, flooding, and load shedding. The emphasis on never driving under the influence and understanding one’s responsibilities as an iWYZE policyholder highlights how personal accountability and insurance awareness go hand in hand. Overall, the article effectively reinforces that safe driving is a daily commitment that benefits not only the driver, but all road users. ”
1. Adhere to the Speed Limit — It Could Save Your Life
Speeding may feel thrilling, but the reality is harsh: higher speeds drastically reduce your reaction time and increase both the severity and likelihood of accidents.
South Africa’s general speed limits:
- 60 km/h on public roads within urban areas.
- 100 km/h on public roads outside urban areas which are not freeways.
- 120 km/h on freeways.
These limits are set under the National Road Traffic Act and related regulations, and are referenced in learner-driver materials (including the K53 driving standard) and official road-safety sources.
Driving at or below the limit gives you more time to anticipate and respond safely to unexpected road conditions such as potholes, animals, or sudden stops.
Provincial snapshot of fatal crashes Recent published data (Jan-Mar 2025) shows that the provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal accounted for ~22.4% and ~18.7% respectively of fatal crashes nationwide.
#wyzemove: Always maintain a safe following distance, minimum two to three seconds in good conditions. In wet, foggy or poorly lit situations increase that to four or more seconds. That extra buffer can be the difference between a safe stop and an accident.
2. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Always Roadworthy
Whether your car is brand-new or used, roadworthiness is vital. Even a new vehicle can develop mechanical or safety issues if neglected; a used car may have hidden wear or damage. Ensuring roadworthiness is your shield on the road.
Roadworthiness Checklist (for both new & used vehicles):
- Identification: VIN and engine number must match the registration documents.
- Bodywork & chassis: Free from dangerous rust, sharp damage; all doors must open/close properly and be secure.
- Interior: Secure seats; working seatbelt(s); operational speedometer/odometer; functioning hooter.
- Windscreen/Windows: No severe cracks; all windows open/close; windscreen wipers functional.
- Wheels, Tyres & Brakes: Tyres must meet manufacturer size specs, have tread depth of at least 1.6 mm; brakes must work with no leaks in the hydraulic system.
- Suspension & Steering: Shock absorbers working with no leaks; kingpins/control arms/anti-roll bars secure; chassis must show no weakness; steering must respond properly.
- Engine & Transmission: Engine compartment free of damage and leaks; battery secure; all belts/hoses in good condition; transmission shifts properly; etc.
Lights & Indicators: All vehicle lights (head, tail, signal, brake) and indicators operational.
#wyzemove: Make vehicle checks a regular habit, monthly for tyres, fluids, safety systems; and always immediately after any major incident (e.g., hitting a pothole, flood, accident). A tyre with worn tread or a faulty brake can trigger a serious insurance claim or become a hazard on the road.
3. Observe Road Signs and Warnings
Road signs aren’t just decoration; they’re there to provide crucial information about hazards ahead. Ignoring them greatly increases the risk of collisions.
Common hazards you’ll find on South African roads:
- Animal crossings (especially in rural areas).
- Pedestrian crossings.
- Heavy trucks on single-lane roads / overtaking zones.
- Roadworks ahead, gravel patches, uneven surfaces.
No overtaking zones (solid line markings).
There is a comprehensive official manual of South African road traffic signs (the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual) published by the Department of Transport/NaTIS, which explains what each sign, signal and marking means.
#wyzemove: Develop the habit of scanning your surroundings every 10-15 seconds: look for signs, markings, road surface changes and possible hazards. Be extra cautious when you recognise warning signs for animals, low-shoulder roads, or school zones.
4. Never Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal in South Africa, it massively increases the risk of fatal accidents and it can void your insurance cover.
The legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in SA for private drivers is 0.05 g/100 ml of blood. To relate: imagine you’ve had about one standard beer (~340 ml at 5% ABV) or one shot (~25 ml at 40% ABV) — for many people, this may push you near or over the 0.05 limit. Factors such as body weight, metabolism and time also matter.
#wyzemove: If you plan to drink, plan not to drive. Use an e-hailing service, get a sober driver, or stay overnight. At iWYZE we take a zero-tolerance approach to claims resulting from DUI — your cover may be void. Arrive Alive — don’t drink and drive.
5. Know Your Responsibilities as an iWYZE Policyholder
Once you’ve chosen the wise step of insuring your car with iWYZE, ensure you’re meeting your policy obligations, so you remain fully covered.
Key responsibilities for policyholders:
- Keep your contact details (address, phone, email) updated.
- Regularly review your policy documentation and ensure all information is correct.
- Complete any required vehicle inspection (these can be managed via the wyzeHUB app, available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
- Install a tracking device (from an accredited installer) if your policy requires theft/hijacking cover.
#wyzemove: Use the wyzeHUB app to make updates, upload inspection results and track your cover. Keeping your insurer informed means fewer surprises at claim time.
6. Adapt to South African Driving Conditions
Driving in South Africa presents unique challenges: load-shedding, flooding, potholes, and variable visibility are all factors. Adapt your behaviour accordingly.
- Potholes: These remain a major hazard. When you spot one, slow down and steer gently, hitting a large pothole at speed can cause damage or loss of control.
- Flooding & heavy rain: When roads flood (e.g., low-lying crossings), treat it like a hazard zone, reduce speed and avoid flooded areas if possible.
- Load shedding / traffic-light outages: When traffic lights are out of order due to load shedding or power failure, treat intersections as a four-way stop, each vehicle proceeds in turn.
- Night/time of low visibility: Use your lights properly, ensure windscreen & mirror clear, increase your following distance.
#wyzemove: Pre-trip check: all lights work, windscreen and wipers are clean, tyre condition is good, mirrors adjusted. On heavy rain or flood risk days, leave earlier and drive slower, arriving a bit later is better than not at all.
Final #WYZE Words
Being responsible on the road isn’t just about avoiding fines or tickets, it’s about protecting lives. When you drive WYZE, you take control of your safety, your vehicle and your future. Stay informed, keep your vehicle fit, and always drive within the law. Your insurance, your loved ones and every other road user will thank you.
Make the WYZE choice:
Get a quick car insurance quote required or call 0860 93 94 93 for more information.
