Three top tips to get road-ready for the summer holidays
Planning a summer road trip? Prioritise safety with essential tips to keep your car in top shape and your driving habits sharp.
Summer is synonymous with road trips. However, with busier highways and a greater risk of being in an accident , it's important to make sure your car is in top shape - and that your driving habits are sharper than ever. That's why we've put together essential tips to help you make sure your car is ready for the road, so you can get to your destination safely.
1. Get your car checked
According to the South African Road Traffic Management Corporation's State of Road Safety Report, the 2023/24 festive period saw 17,335 fines issued to motorists driving vehicles with worn tyres. The top two causes of road crashes were tyre bursts and brake failure.
Taking your vehicle for a check or annual service can help make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. If you're a Discovery Insure client, you can visit your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre store or book a slot at the Discovery Drive Centre in Sandton for your Annual MultiPoint check to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. The test looks at key safety checks like your headlights, steering wheel, tyres, shocks and seatbelts. You'll earn 300 Vitality Drive points that can help you increase your Vitality Drive status. This means you can qualify for a higher fuel cash back percentage by completing and passing the check.
2. Stay on top of your driving behaviour
Discovery Insure data shows that over 60% of motor vehicle fatalities are influenced by five human behaviours :
- Drinking and driving
- Cellphone use while driving
- Excessive speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Lack of vehicle care.
Taking your car for an Annual MultiPoint check covers the vehicle care, but how you behave behind the wheel is critical to keeping yourself - and others - safe. So make sure that you:
- Avoid distractions: A mere 20 seconds on the phone while driving increases accident risk by over 60%.
- Avoid driving late at night:Discovery Insure data show accidents between 22:00 and 04:00 are nine times more severe than in the daytime.
- Make sure children are safely strapped into an appropriate car seat: Plus, with up to 50% off car seats from Babies R Us and Born Fabulous, you can enjoy even more discounts while keeping your family safe.
3. Be equipped for emergencies
Keep an emergency kit in the car to stay prepared for unexpected situations. Include items like warm clothing, non-perishable food and water and a tyre repair kit. Make sure you charge your phone before you leave and take a car charger or power bank with you.
If you are a Discovery Insure client, then you have access to Discovery Insure's Impact Alert which offers peace of mind on the road. In the event of a collision, the intelligent technology detects the impact and immediately sends help to your location if we can't get hold of you. Our advanced telematics also offers safety features like weather warnings, a vehicle panic button, and the ability to find your vehicle in real time.
The holidays are a time for joy and adventure. By following these tips, you can reduce risks and fully enjoy the season - with safely top of mind. Make this festive season a memorable one for all the right reasons.
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