This post was published on Jul 9, 2025 | Updated on Jul 9, 2025
Driving isn’t just about getting from one point to the other, being behind the wheel comes with a lot of responsibility. Every time you get in the car to drive, your responsibility is not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of your passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. Being a responsible driver starts with understanding the risks associated with driving and actively trying to minimise them.
Here are some essential safe driving tips to help keep you and everyone around you safe on the road:
1. Respect Speed Limits, They’re There for a Reason
Speed limits aren’t just suggestions; they’re legally enforced guidelines designed to keep all road users safe. Excessive speed reduces your ability to react to unexpected obstacles like potholes, animals crossing, or a sudden stop by the car in front of you. The faster you drive, the less time you have to make critical life-saving decisions and you increase your chances of being in an accident.
- 60 km/h on public roads within urban areas
- 100 km/h on public roads outside urban areas (not including freeways)
- 120 km/h on freeways
#wyzemove: Always maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you enough time to stop or react in emergencies, especially around bends, intersections, roundabouts, or crossings.
2. Ensure Your Vehicle is Roadworthy
A safe driver also ensures that their vehicle is in good condition and roadworthy. A poorly maintained car isn’t just unreliable, it’s dangerous. It can fail at critical moments and put your life and others at risk.
Key Requirements for Roadworthiness Certification:
- Car Identification: VIN and engine number must be visible and match the vehicle registration documents.
- Bodywork: Must be Free of rust and sharp damage; all doors must open, close securely, and be firmly attached.
- Interior: Functional seatbelts, speedometer, hooter (horn), and secure, undamaged seating.
- Windows & Windscreen: Windscreen must be free of cracks; windows must operate properly; wipers must work and be in good condition.
- Tyres, Brakes & Wheels: Tyres must meet manufacturer’s specs and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm; brakes must function properly with no hydraulic leaks.
- Suspension System: No visible damage or leaks; shock absorbers, steering, and other suspension components must be secure and operational.
- Engine & Transmission: Engine bay should be clean, free of leaks; battery securely mounted and in good condition.
#wyzemove: Regularly inspect your vehicle. Pay attention to tyre tread, brake responsiveness, lights, and wipers. Roadworthiness is not a one-time check — it’s an ongoing responsibility.
3. Always Observe Road Signs and Warnings
Road signs communicate road conditions like hazards, and legal obligations. Ignoring them can lead to dangerous situations or legal consequences. Always keep your eyes open for:
- Pedestrian crossings
- Animal crossing zones
- No-overtaking zones
- Sharp bends
- Roadworks ahead
- Heavy truck zones
#wyzemove: Always stay alert and scan the road constantly for signs, signals, and changes in road conditions. The more you’re aware, the better your reaction time when something unexpected happens.
4. Never Drive Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol (DUI)
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance is illegal in South Africa and puts countless lives at risk. Your judgment, reaction time, and coordination are all significantly impaired under the influence, making you a danger to yourself and others.
If you're caught driving while impaired:
- You may face arrest and criminal charges
- You could cause serious injury or death
- Your insurance WILL NOT cover any resulting damages or losses
- You risk losing your driver’s license
#wyzemove: Never drink and drive. If you plan on consuming alcohol, use an e-hailing service, or assign a sober designated driver. iWYZE has a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to DUI, don’t risk it.
Car insurance
Drive Like Lives Depend on It, Because They Do
Driving is one of the most routine things we do, yet it carries some of the most serious consequences when done irresponsibly. Every time you turn the ignition, you make a decision that extends beyond yourself. You hold the power to protect not only your life, but the lives of your loved ones, pedestrians crossing the road, cyclists on their daily commute, and even complete strangers sharing the highway.
Respecting speed limits, ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy, obeying traffic signs, and never driving under the influence, isn’t just following rules, you're actively contributing to a culture of safety, responsibility, and respect on South Africa’s roads. These aren’t just good habits, they are essential life-saving practices.
The reality is that many accidents can be prevented by being extra cautious on the road. Most serious crashes don’t occur due to freak accidents or mechanical failures, they happen because someone was going too fast, wasn’t paying attention, or made the dangerous decision to drive under the influence. This is why it’s critical to stay vigilant, drive safely, and keep your vehicle in top condition.
Remember, safe driving isn’t only about laws and inspections. It’s about mindset. It’s about choosing caution over recklessness. It’s about patience, awareness, and understanding that a single moment of distraction or poor judgment can change your life or someone else’s forever.
So, whether you're heading to work, driving the kids to school, or setting out on a road trip, take a moment to think about your role as a driver. Every decision you make on the road matters. Drive safe, and most importantly, drive like lives depend on it, because they do.
Be wise. Be alert. Stay alive.