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Driving requires a lot of responsibility and being a responsible and safe driver requires a good understanding of the number of risks involved in driving a vehicle. Below are some safe driving tips to ensure that you are always safe on the roads.
Adhering to the speed limit could save your life
Driving slower or keeping to the speed limit of the road you’re travelling on might help you to make the right decision when you see a pothole and reduce the risk of damage. Speeding increases the risk of loss of life and likelihood of being involved in an accident.
As a driver, you must adhere to the applicable speed limit as defined on road signals stipulated on the road driven, or in the absence of road signals, must adhere to speed limits as defined under the road and traffic act.
General speed limits are as follows:
- 60 km/h on public road within an urban area
- 100 km/h on public road outside an urban area which is not a freeway
- 120 km/h on every freeway
WYZETip: Keep a safe following distance as this will assist you in completely stopping or avoiding a potential accident. It will also allow you to safely navigate corners, bends, intersections, round-abouts, rail or passenger crossings.
Ensure that your vehicle is road worthy
A poorly maintained car can be a danger to your life and accident prone. Ensure that your car meets vehicle road worthiness (Roadworthy certification must be in order).
Basic criteria for road worthiness compliance:
- Identification – Related to the VIN and Engine number being visible and matches the vehicle registration documents
- Bodywork – Body and chassis must be free of rust/all doors must open in and out/all doors must be attached to the hinges/all body work must be free of damage that could harm pedestrians
- Interior – Odometer/speedometer/seatbelts/hooter must all be in working order and seats must be secure and free of damage
- Windscreen/Windows – Windscreen must be free of cracks; all windows must be able to open and close and windscreen wipers must be operational and in good condition
- Wheels/Tyres/Breaks – All tyres must be the correct size within the manufacturers specifications and must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm, brakes must be in wording order with no leaks to the hydraulic system
- Suspension – Shock absorbers must be in working order with no leaks, kingpins/control arms/anti-rolls bars must be secure, chassis must not show signs of weakness or damage, steering must be in working order
- Engine & Transmission – Engine compartments must be free of damage and leaks, battery should be
WYZETip: Frequently check on your vehicle to make sure that all roadworthiness criteria is adhered to. Ensure that your vehicle’s lights and window wipers are working properly. It’s important to regularly check your vehicle’s tyre condition too.
Observe Road Signs and Warnings
Observing and following road rules and signs could save your life. These provide insight into possible hazards that could be in the area and allows you to be more aware when driving in these areas. Some of the road hazards may be:
- Animals’ crossings
- Pedestrian crossings
- Trucks driving on the road
- No overtaking on solid line
- Roadworks ahead etc.
WYZETip: Be aware of your surroundings and take note of all visible road signs. Cautionary driving will allow the driver to react appropriately when faced with a hazard.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance is illegal in SA
If you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other mind-altering substance, avoid driving. Not only is it illegal to drive in that state, but it also increases the risk of loss of life, accidents and your car insurance policy WILL not cover an incident under these circumstances. You may also be arrested for posing a danger to other drivers.
WYZETip: Do not drink and drive!! ‘Arrive Alive’ – Make use of an e-hailing service when you know you will be drinking or get a designated sober driver. iWYZE has a ‘No tolerance’ approach for any loss or damage which arises as a result of DUI.
Our advice to you: Just don’t do it, it’s not worth it!
Insurance has become non-negotiable. Quality insurance should also be non-negotiable, make the wise insurance choice, get a quick quote: https://www.iwyze.co.za/products/car-insurance or call 0860 93 94 93.
Terms and conditions apply. Please note that the content displayed on this site is for information purposes only and does not replace our policies’ terms and conditions. The policy wording supersedes any marketing material. Any claim will be considered against the terms and conditions that apply at the time of claim and as set out in out customers’ policy documentation.