We all face the danger of road accidents whether we drive ourselves to work in heavy traffic, commute, or only drive occasionally to the shops and back. In fact, fatal road accidents are South Africa’s third biggest killer above AIDs. We don’t always want to expect the worst but what we can do is take preventative measures to ensure that if an accident does befall us, we come to as little harm as possible.
Roadside assistance
Road assistance trucks are often seen as vultures, waiting for an accident. However, they offer an importance service. Roadside assistance trucks remove vehicles that have broken down or been involved in a road accident from dangerous areas in and around busy roads. There are various affordable roadside assistance packages available which include towing services, emergency fuel supply and mechanical repair. As soon as you have bought a car, look for comprehensive roadside assistance packages.
Medical aid or insurance
If you land up in hospital after a road accident, you don’t want to have to foot the bill for a very expensive week or two’s stay, so it’s imperative to at least have a hospital plan. Some insurance companies, such as Clientele Life, offer hospital cash back plans, which cost less than medical aids but offer less cover. Car insurance companies also sometimes offer accident funds, where for as little as R20 or R40 a month, your hospitalisation is covered in the event of a road accident.
Seatbelts and child restraints
84% of children travel in cars without any child seat or seatbelt restraint according to road accident statistics revealed by the AA. As a result of this, thousands of babies and children are killed or seriously injured each year in South Africa. Parents, you never want to see your child lifted from a car by the Jaws of Life, so it’s time to invest in that car seat and discipline your children to start wearing their seatbelts religiously. Remember that children follow by example, so if you don’t wear your seatbelt, neither will they. It’s time to start setting a good example.
Mechanical upkeep
Worn brake pads, worn tyres and loose wheel nuts are just three minor mechanical problems that can mean the difference between life and death in a road accident. It’s important to check your car for small mechanical faults and service it regularly. If you can’t afford to pump a lot of money your car’s maintenance, then look for signs of wear and tear and take your car to your local mechanic to check for dangers.
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