But aside from buckling up and driving cautiously, what more can we do to help reduce these tragic statistics? The answer may be to travel in a safer vehicle, one fitted with technological advancements designed to keep you and your family as free from injury and harm as possible, should disaster ever strike.
Taking the most recent EuroNCAP test results for South African vehicles into account, the following have emerged as some of the country’s safest over the past year:
Volvo V40
Rated as the safest car in South Africa, the Volvo V40 comes complete with eight airbags, as well as a pedestrian airbag for safety inside and out. With automatic braking, traction control, ABS with EBD, a blind spot monitor, and a reinforced structure for added strength and protection, the Volvo V40 will help ensure you and your family get from A to B as safely as possible day in and day out.
Volvo XC90
Taking the second spot on the list of safest South African vehicles, Volvo comes in again at number two with its XC90 – a modern SUV that’s the epitome of safety from top to bottom. Thanks to features such as lane-keeping assist, ABS with EBD, traction and stability control and a total of six airbags, you can rest assured that every trip taken in the XC90 will be a safe one.
Renault Clio / Audi A3
Tying for third place are the Renault Clio and Audi A3, both on the list thanks to their commitment to the ultimate in safety features. Enjoy complete peace of mind with the Renault’s four airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction and stability control, or travel safely with the Audi A3’s seven airbags, electronic brake assist, ABS with EBD and optional park distance control. Whichever choice you make however, you can be sure it’s a sound one.
Hyundai i30 / Honda Civic / Mercedes-Benz V-Class
Coming in at number five on the list of South Africa’s safest cars is a three-way tie between the Hyundai i30, Honda Civic, and Mercedes-Benz V-Class, some of the most popular vehicles in the country.
With each measuring up equally in terms of safety features, a choice between them would come down to your own personal preference and driving style. If you’re a hatchback lover, the Hyundai i30 is your car, packed with six airbags, stability and rear park distance control, as well as ABS with EBD. For more of a sedan feel, choose the Honda Civic, fitted with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic brake assist, and rear park distance control in the 1.8 Executive model.
And if it’s a multi-purpose vehicle you’re after, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV will give you all the space and flexibility you’re looking for, as well as all the added protection too, thanks to six airbags, traction and stability control, ABS with EBD, and a host of optional features from blind spot warning to crosswind assist and more. Three options, one safe journey no matter which you choose.
Protect your family with a car insurance quote from iWYZE
Of course, travelling in a car fitted with safety features is just the first step. To fully protect your family and your vehicle on South Africa’s roads, make sure you listen to The Wiser You and have a top quality car insurance policy in place as well.
Call us now for a car insurance quote on 0860 63 33 39, submit your details, or complete a quick quote online, and let us look after you and your family throughout all of life’s journeys.
References:
1. Lindeque, M. “More than 4,500 people killed on SA roads in 2014/2015”. http://ewn.co.za/2015/09/12/Report-More-young-people-die-on-SA-roads. Accessed on 22 January 2016.
2. Zietsman, M. “Car Safety – Protecting Our Precious Cargo”. http://www.childmag.co.za/content/car-safety-protecting-our-precious-cargo#.VqCxhfl97IU. Accessed on 22 January 2016.
3. Lilleike, G. “Safest Cars in South Africa for 2015”. http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/safest-cars-in-south-africa-for-2015/39426/#.VqHzf_l97IU. Accessed on 22 January 2016.
