South Africa is globally known for its high death toll caused by road accidents during the festive holidays. Most of these accidents are caused by negligence on the drivers side. This article will explore the most common causes of these accidents and how they can be prevented.
Common causes of road accidents
Listed below are the most common and leading causes of South African road accidents during festive season.
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Drunk driving
On top of the list is drunk driving which almost always results in fatalities. The accepted limit for driving while under the influence is a blood alcohol of 0,05% or less. Because our tolerance is different per individual, a single drink can amount to more than this limit.
Motorists are urged to stay away from alcoholic drinks if they are going to be driving. Instead, it is advisable to leave behind their cars and request for alternative transport.
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Reckless driving
Reckless driving refers to negligence on the road by motorists like ignoring road signs, going over red traffic lights, changing lanes, and failing to follow the right procedures of overtaking.
To avoid accidents caused by this factor, motorists are urged to learn patience and wait their turn, pay attention to road signs and follow the right driving procedures. Undoubtedly, by so doing, many lives will be spared.
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Speeding
The likelihood of a car collision when one is driving at high speed is higher than when they are driving at the right speed limit. This is mainly because stopping time increases exponentially.
The only advisable thing is to stop speeding because a car can be replaced but a life can never be. There has been many regret stories by survivors who lost their normal lives and became disabled through accidents they were a cause of.
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Weather
The festive season in South Africa is accompanied by heavy rains that can lead to flooding and large puddles causing cars to aquaplane. Driving in these conditions causes poor visibility and may result in catastrophic outcomes.
This cause is beyond our control; however, it is our responsibility to constantly check the weather forecast before planning trips. This saves us from being trapped in situations we have zero control over or worse, winding up dead. Additionally, if you are unsure about the weather conditions and decide to drive, be calm when faced with those situations. Stop on the side of the road until things get better
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Poor Road conditions
Bad road maintenance in South Africa has become another loadshedding. Potholes are a part of our everyday struggle on the roads. No doubt, if these roads were to be fixed and kept well maintained, many lives would have been spared.
Be careful of the roads you use and try to avoid the cracks and potholes on the way. Another advisable thing to do is to drive slower in areas infested by potholes to avoid these fatal accidents.
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Distractions
Taking your eyes off the road for a second could cause really bad accidents. Distractions vary from something as simple as eating food, replying to a text or call, reaching for something in the car, and the list goes on.
Make sure you always have your eyes on the road.
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Vehicle faults
Vehicle maintenance is one of the things motorists should never ignore or try to dodge. Poorly maintained or even unroadworthy vehicles are also a common cause of festive road accidents.
It is important to constantly take your car for service. Have your brakes, tires, faulty lights, cracked windscreen fixed before going for a trip. This saves you from paying extra costs to have the car fixed and accidents.
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Pedestrian crossing/Jaywalking
Pedestrians crossing the road untimely has caused many premature deaths over the years, especially on highways. Pedestrians try to pass and are struck, or the car tries to swerve to avoid them causing bad accidents.
Like the drivers, pedestrians have the responsibility to read road signs and implement that knowledge when passing through travel or walking on the highway.
If the fault is with your vehicle, CV and Propshaft is the answer to making it safe this festive around Nelspruit. From CV Joints / CV Boots; Propshaft; Steering Rack; Suspension Brakes and vehicle Accessories, our mechanics are ready to ensure you move past these festive, effortlessly.
