Being a commuter on the South African roads can sometimes be a hassle, from distracted pedestrians, and reckless taxi drivers, to general bad driving from other motorists. It has become an everyday expectation to meet bad drivers while on our daily commutes.
For some people, driving in major cities has become an Olympic sport, often requiring intense focus and hypervigilance. This can often be compounded by bad roads and failing infrastructure, such as potholes and traffic lights that don’t work.
All these factors play a significant role in the number of car accidents that occur throughout the year. This is why it is important to know when most car accidents are likely to happen so you can best prepare yourself. This could be learning tips for safe driving or adopting driving habits that reduce the risk of car accidents.
Let’s see the most dangerous times to be on the road, and how Cartrack can help you best navigate them.
There are many factors to consider when trying to assess when most car accidents happen. Time of day, season, and specific days in the week all play a role in determining the likelihood of an accident. All these considerations paint a more holistic picture of what happens on the road in South Africa.
These are some of the times to know when most car accidents happen:
Morning Rush Hour
The period between 6 AM and 9 AM, when people are commuting to work or school, is a high-risk time for accidents. This is when roads are congested, and drivers are often in a hurry.
Evening Rush Hour
Similarly, the evening rush hour sees an increase in accidents as people are returning from work, often fatigued or stressed, and traffic is dense.
Weekends
Accidents tend to increase on weekends, especially on Saturday afternoons and evenings. People are more likely to go out to socialise, travel, or engage in recreational activities, leading to more vehicles on the road.
Public Holidays and Long Weekends
South Africa experiences a significant increase in road accidents during public holidays, long weekends, and holiday seasons (e.g., December holidays, Easter, and others). Increased travel, higher alcohol consumption, and fatigue contribute to this spike.
December (Festive Season)
The festive season in December, particularly around Christmas and New Year, is a high-risk period for car accidents in South Africa. Many people travel long distances to visit family, go on holiday, or attend celebrations. Increased alcohol consumption and tired drivers on long trips contribute to the higher accident rate during this time.
Easter
Similar to the December holidays, Easter sees a significant rise in road accidents, as many South Africans travel for religious observances, vacations, or to visit family.
Night-time
Car accidents are more common at night due to reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and the higher likelihood of driving under the influence of alcohol. The risk of accidents increases after dark, especially on rural or poorly lit roads.
Late-Night Driving
This time period, especially on weekends, often sees more accidents due to impaired driving, either from alcohol or fatigue.
Rainy and Stormy Weather
Accidents in South Africa also increase during rainy weather, especially in the summer months (November to February) when thunderstorms are common. Wet roads can cause cars to skid, reduce visibility, and increase stopping distances, contributing to accidents.
Fog and Poor Visibility
In areas prone to fog, accidents can be more frequent early in the morning or late in the evening when visibility is compromised.
Highways and Major Roads
Long-distance travel routes, including highways and main roads, are prone to accidents, especially during holiday seasons when traffic volume is high. The N1, N3, N4, and N12 are some of the busiest roads, seeing numerous accidents, particularly when drivers are fatigued or over-speeding.
Urban and Congested Areas
Cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban see frequent accidents during rush hours due to heavy traffic and frequent lane changes.
There are many reasons that a car accident can happen, most of these are either from human error or vehicle mechanical failure. These are some of the most common causes of car accidents in South Africa:
The risk of car accidents can fortunately be mitigated by a few simple measures that can be taken by the driver. These can be done easily at home or practised on the road, here are 9 of the best ways to avoid car accidents:
All these factors considered can significantly reduce the chances of an accident.
Cartrack offers a range of services to assist in the case of an accident. These can be taken on as a value-added service on top of the standard stolen vehicle recovery option.
One of these services is car crash detection, vehicle tracking software that notifies you if your car has been involved in an accident and sends out an alert for assistance. This then allows for a faster response time from medical assistance.
Another solution we offer is roadside assistance, with this value add Cartrack can send out help in case your vehicle has been damaged on the road. This help can be legal aid, medical help, and even general roadside assistance such as tyre replacement. These solutions can make the experience of a car accident easier to handle and manage.
As a driver and vehicle owner, it is important to know how and when car accidents happen. This knowledge will aid you in navigating the sometimes complicated roads in South Africa. What you can also do is put in measures to assist you in the case of such an event.
Cartrack is best equipped to assist in this manner, contact us to find out more about our product offering and how it can be tailored to your needs.
Discover when most road accidents occur and learn about the factors contributing to these incidents.
