Santam shares top road safety tips ahead of the long weekend

According to the latest statistics from the South African government, road safety has improved with a decline of 11% in road accidents between January 1 and March 15, compared to the same timeframe in 2025^[i]. Despite this pleasing trend, travellers are urged to remain vigilant over the Easter long weekend – a period usually associated with high traffic volumes and increased risk.

Commenting on this is Leruo Malumo, Head of Product Strategy and Development at South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, Santam, who cautions that complacency can be dangerous. “For many, Easter is valued time to visit loved ones. Our roads become very busy and can be unpredictable,” says Malumo.

“Even though we’ve seen a welcome reduction in road accidents and road fatalities, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to ensure you get to your loved ones safely,” says Malumo.

He says that there are steps you can take to help keep your car and family safe on your road trip with careful checks and clever planning.

Checks to make before you leave:

Make sure your car is in tip-top condition:

• Ensure that wheel alignment and balancing have been done, that tyres are in good condition, that the tyre tread is within legal limits and that your tyre pressure is optimal according to manufacturer specifications. Don’t forget to check if you do have a spare wheel and ensure that it is in a workable condition.

• Ensure your windscreen is free of cracks and stone chips, which can influence your visibility. Your front and rear wipers should be in good working order to clear rain and debris from the glass. Remember to fill up your windscreen wash.

• Stick to your car manufacturer’s recommended service intervals to avoid the inconvenience and expense of a mechanical breakdown and ensure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip.  

• Invest in a first-aid kit to help you deal with road trip headaches like motion sickness and cuts. A torch, glow-in-the-dark triangles and plenty of water and wet wipes are always handy to carry with you in the car.

• Check your engine oil level, the engine coolant as well as your tyre pressure before you start your journey.

Planning your journey:

Traveling dates and time is also important, especially if traveling long journeys. Where possible avoid peak hour traveling - that is when the risk of accident is high and the driver gets tired very quickly.

Driving tips for your road trip:

• Avoiding drinking and driving or texting and driving are non-negotiables. These are the biggest cause of road accidents in South Africa.

• Always wear a safety belt and make sure all the passengers in the vehicle do too.

• Don’t overload your vehicle. Rather invest in renting a trailer.

• Look out for road hazards, including obstructions like potholes or animals, especially in rural areas. Always expect the unexpected and try to anticipate obstacles before they occur.

• Never disobey the speed limit and keep a safe following distance: Accidents often happen when cars overtake one another, misjudging distances and timing.

SOS and Roadside assistance

Make sure you have the number for an emergency or roadside assistance on hand. Most leading insurers will offer complimentary SOS services, so ensure you investigate and have all these details before leaving home.