Visiting friends and family during the holiday season is something we all look forward to. Whether it's a short visit or a long road trip, it's important to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and enjoying the festivities responsibly.
While road accidents are more frequent during the festive season, there are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
In this blog, we will learn ways to prevent accidents during this risky time of the year, and how Cartrack solutions can help keep you safe.
According to Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, during the 2023/24 holiday period, 1427 people died in road accidents, and 1184 fatal crashes were recorded. By understanding the reasons behind these accidents, we can better equip ourselves to prevent them. Here are some of the causes of festive season car accidents on the road:
Road rage is when a driver expresses aggression toward another driver in various ways. It can escalate from verbal abuse all the way to physical assault. Often times, heightened emotions cause drivers to lose focus, leading to car accidents. This is very common during the holiday season as most people get frustrated on the road as they rush to reach their destinations.
South Africa has the highest rate of alcohol intake in Africa. This is a well-known issue among everyday citizens. Drinking and driving is a genuine concern and a major reason for accidents during this time of the year as there are a lot of people who drive home from holiday parties.
Traffic is bound to be heavy when everyone is travelling to the same place at the same time. This can lead to collisions or cars blocking intersections. You may witness illegal U-turns, poorly navigated lane changes, and driving on the shoulder of the road.
Many people take to the road during the festive season, often on long-distance road trips. These trips can easily lead to fatigue, especially if no breaks are taken. Fatigue from long-distance trips can lead to poor driving. Tired drivers do not concentrate when behind the wheel making more errors.
The heavy rainfall in summer makes the roads unpredictable. Those who don’t have much experience in driving in wet conditions, might not know how to navigate this situation, which can lead to more accidents.
A car that is overloaded with luggage and all other holiday goods is also prone to accidents because the weight puts a strain on its tyres. This causes the tyres to overheat and wear rapidly, which increases the chances of premature tyre failure or blow-outs.
The risk of car accidents increases at night due to poor visibility. Certain areas have less lighting than others, making it difficult for drivers to see objects that are far away, such as roadsigns or pedestrians. The inability to see these objects is dangerous for everyone on the road and causes accidents.
A city that the driver knows is easier to navigate because he/she is familiar with the road conditions. During the holiday season, most people drive in unfamiliar areas that might have unexpected curves, and more potholes, which leads to accidents.
Vehicles need to be prepped for long-distance journeys and some people do not keep that in mind. This leads to accidents in high volumes caused by things that could have been fixed before the trip, such as faulty brakes or headlights.
The festive season does not have to be as dangerous on the roads. There are safety precautions you can implement, such as the ones listed below:
Some extra factors you can consider include driving in low gear if taking a bend and paying extra attention to your blind spots as it may be more difficult to see vehicles in these areas at first glance. Lastly, make use of your low-beam headlights as they not only help you to see but also help others see you.
Cartrack is devoted to keeping you safe on the road and empowering you to prevent and handle accidents effectively all year round. We offer the following solutions:
Take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones so you can enjoy the holiday season. If you do find yourself in an unfortunate situation, remember that Cartrack has your back. Contact us now for this dedicated protection.
Q: What are South Africa’s most dangerous roads during the holiday season?
A: Based on collected accident data, the Department of Transport has identified 20 priority routes where most crashes occur:
Q: What are most car accidents caused by?
A: The primary causes of accidents are human factors such as speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving (often due to smartphone usage), and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Additionally, fatigue and lack of sleep impair driver judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Q: What road in South Africa has the most accidents?
A: The R573 Moloto Road in Kwamhlanga Mpumalanga recorded 33 car crashes and 38 fatalies between 1 December 2022 and 15 January 2023, which was the highest compacted to roads in other cities and provinces.
Q: How can I prepare my car for safe holiday travel?
A: These are the 3 things you can do to prepare your car for safe traveling:
Q: What should I do if I’m involved in an accident?
A: These are the 3 things you should do after an accident:
The festive season is meant for fun and connection with your loved ones. Keep it that way by learning how to prevent festive car accidents.
