Learn how to stay safe on the road during the holiday season, including how to protect yourself with car insurance.  

During the festive season, it’s possible you’ll experience a wide range of good things, but you also face more drivers on the road, worse driving conditions, and potentially dangerous situations. Imagine the many drivers darting to and from locations to finish up their holiday shopping. There are more people on the streets and many more distracted drivers. This is why you need to take the steps necessary to minimize risk to you and your family. Being a safe driver is important during this time of the year. These tips can help you.

Beware of Drunk Driving

With the festive holiday season comes more drinking and celebrating. This often leads to more people on the road driving intoxicated. In many areas of Botswana, the increase in the number of people arrested and charged with drunk driving rises during the festive season. If you plan to head out to a party and drink even a small amount, don’t get behind the wheel. And, as a driver, you need to be more aware of those who you share the road with, as they may be more likely to be under the influence.

Take the Time to Drive Safely

Even if you are not in a rush and do not feel your driving is impacted during the festive season, it does impact other drivers. You have no control over those you share the road with and that means you need to improve your driving habits to minimize risks. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Drive the speed limit. Slowing down can really help you to adjust to other drivers’ actions.
• Follow road rules. Aside from staying within the speeding limit, it’s also important to drive slower in construction zones and to stop more frequently for pedestrians.
• Wear your seat belt. Even if you are a very careful driver, your seat belt is a must for avoiding the actions of other drivers.
• Check your tyres. Ensure the air pressure meets the manufacturer recommendations.
• Ensure your lights are working properly so other vehicles see you slowing down.
• Use a lower gear when going up wet, steep inclines.
• Drive at least 2 or 3 car lengths from the person in front of you.
• Purchase higher quality tires for wet, colder weather.
• Apply pressure to brakes slightly when you need to stop in water. Steady pressure reduces the risk of swerving.
• Have your vehicle completely inspected by a trusted professional before the festive season starts.

Also realize that there are more people likely to be involved in accidents. This increases the number of emergency vehicles on the road. Be sure you can easily pull out of the way of these vehicles.

Beware of Hijackings

Many Batswana choose to spend the festive period south of the border in South Africa. Remember that Botswana registered motor vehicles are a prime hijacking target in South Africa. Not only is being hijacked a big burden financially, but you and your family could be at risk from injury or even death should things go wrong. Here are some tips to keep you safe outside Botswana:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and watch your rear view mirrors to check if anyone is following you at all times.
• Stay away from known hijacking zones where many vehicles have been known to be hijacked.
• If someone deliberately bumps your car, request to meet at the nearest police station rather than stopping on the road. You can signal them to do so using hand signals.
• When parking your car, look around you to see if any suspicious characters are watching you.
• Always keep a separate ”stash bag” with some cash, a credit card, and perhaps an additional cell phone that you can use in the unfortunate event that you are hijacked.

Hijacking is real folks, and we see these cases happening all the time in South Africa, and in particular with reference to Botswana registered vehicles. Make sure your comprehensive car insurance policy is up to date.

Protect Yourself Financially

Being a safe driver is important, but you also need to take steps to minimize the financial risks associated with a simple accident. If you are involved in an accident, you should have car insurance in place to help cover the losses. This can give you the confidence you need when heading out onto the road during this busy driving season. If you don’t have adequate car insurance, request a quote for it today.

The holidays are a time for joy and merriment, but they are also a time when people are rushed, busy, and not thinking about what they are doing. As a result, they could put you at risk on the road if you don’t take precautions to stay safe.