Coronavirus: Why road safety is more important than ever

It goes without saying that healthcare workers on the frontlines of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic are the true heroes of 2020 and 2021. Do you want to make their lives easier? Besides following sensible Coronavirus etiquette practices such as social distancing, wearing a mask, hand hygiene, etc., there is one more important thing us motorists can do to help: Drive safely. 

Our healthcare workers, hospitals and government are working hard to contain the virus. Motorists can help by practicing safe, defensive driving techniques to help ensure they or others do not require hospitalisation due to a road accident.  

Since air travel has slowed down dramatically, many South Africans are taking to the roads to explore our country. The most important message currently is to follow the government’s advice and to stay at home. However, if you are planning on taking a road trip long or far, below is a reminder of some basic road safety advice:  

• Be focussed at all times. Do not get distracted by the phone, radio, or passengers. 
• Observe the speed limit.  
• Avoid assumptions – remember you are the only driver you can trust. There is no way of knowing how other drivers will react. 
• Do not succumb to road rage. Most people are more stressed than usual, so don’t engage in a situation that could easily escalate.  
• Keep space between you and the vehicle in front of you. 
• Do not drive when under the influence of any substances. (New zero-limit drunk driving laws are coming into effect soon. Click here to read more.) 
• Slow down when it’s raining. 
• Inflate your tyres appropriately and change them if they’re worn. 
• Maintain your vehicle with regular car services to avoid a breakdown. (This is more manageable than you can imagine, thanks to MotorHappy. Contact us today for a quick quote on a Vehicle Service Plan and Maintenance Plan.) 
• Respect orange traffic lights. Orange does not mean speed up! 
• Wear your seat belt. 
• Be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians, especially small children who could run into the road unexpectedly. Slow down. Never assume a pedestrian sees you.