NEED TO KNOW
- October is Transport Month, the perfect time to recommit to safer journeys.
- Know and activate the emergency tools included in your car insurance, such as crash detection and roadside assistance.
- Plan smart routes with rest stops, avoid speeding, and reduce fatigue.
- Do a full vehicle check before trips – tyres, lights, fluids, and wipers.
- Secure your home before you travel to reduce risks while you’re away.
- Drive safely and get rewarded – Momentum Insure clients earn up to 30% cashback with Safety Returns on the Momentum App.
Think road safety starts when you hit the highway? Think again. The journey to road safety begins long before you turn the key.
With traffic surging during peak travel times, so do the risks — from unexpected breakdowns to avoidable accidents. In this blog, we’ll share smart, practical tips to help you stay ahead of potential risks to get you to your destination safely.
And since October is South Africa’s official Transport Month, it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on road safety. This nationwide campaign encourages all road users to reflect on how they travel, make safer choices, and contribute to reducing accidents on our roads.
Why is road safety in South Africa important?
South Africa’s roads are among the busiest and most hazardous, particularly during public holidays and peak travel seasons. Every year, thousands of accidents occur due to speeding, driver fatigue, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures.
The impact of these crashes is devastating, not only in terms of lives lost but also in terms of the financial and emotional toll on families. That’s why road safety in South Africa is not just a personal responsibility, it's a collective one.
What is the meaning of road safety?
It is the measures, practices, and behaviours aimed at preventing road accidents and protecting all road users!
By taking basic precautions, like maintaining your vehicle, driving within the speed limit, and using safety features provided by your insurer, you're not only protecting yourself – you're helping reduce pressure on emergency services, hospitals, and insurers. Road safety is about building a culture of care, one trip at a time.
By embracing Transport Month as more than just a campaign, we can use it as a turning point to build better driving habits that last all year round.
How can we stay safe on the road?
The good news is that staying safe on the road doesn’t require dramatic changes, just a bit of forward planning and smarter habits like abiding by road safety rules along the way, which is critical. Here are 5 essential steps that every South African driver should take before a road trip:
1. Know your emergency tools before you need them
It’s one thing to have emergency support included in your comprehensive car insurance, it’s another to know how and when to use it. Many South Africans aren’t fully aware of the safety tools built into their car insurance, or whether they’ve been activated. Some insurers now offer crash-detection services, roadside assistance, or direct access to emergency responders via apps.
For example, Momentum Insure offers Accident Alert, which can detect a severe crash and dispatch emergency services to your exact location — even if you’re unable to call. These can be life-saving features, but only if you’re set up properly.
Before your next trip, take time to check:
- That your emergency features are enabled in your insurer’s app.
- That location permissions are turned on.
- That your mobile phone is charged (and bring a charger!).
2. Plan smart, not fast
The best route isn’t always the quickest. Use navigation apps to avoid high-traffic areas, roadworks, or unsafe conditions. Leave early and build in extra time for unexpected delays.
Speeding to "make up time" is never worth the risk. Fatigue also plays a huge role in accidents. Plan rest stops every two hours to stretch your legs, rehydrate, and reset your focus. A fresh driver is a safe driver.
3. Don’t skip the vehicle check
It’s easy to assume your car is roadworthy. But if your car is overdue for a service, don’t put it off, especially before a long trip.
Quick checks can make a big difference:
4. Don’t forget about your home
When the excitement of a holiday takes over, home security can be overlooked. Unfortunately, criminals often target empty homes during long weekends.
Before you leave:
- Let a neighbour or friend know you’ll be away and activate your alarm system.
- Ensure you have tight security. Momentum Insure clients get a
30% discount on all Maxidor Ultra Trellis security gates and doors. - Double-check your home insurance policy and make sure your valuables are covered.
5. Drive safe and get rewarded for it with Momentum car insurance
More insurers now reward safe driving through app-based tools that monitor your driving habits. For example, Momentum car insurance clients who are registered for Safety Returns can get up to 30% cashback every year for driving safely.
This kind of incentive helps build better habits over time, such as:
You don’t need to be perfect, just consistent. And the more you focus on safe driving, the more benefits you unlock. Also check that your car insurance details are up to date, especially the regular driver listed on your policy.
Road safety begins with you, and it benefits everyone. With a few smart steps, you can make every trip safer for you, your family, and others on the road.
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