Road Tripping with Peace of Mind

For many South Africans, it’s time for a well-deserved winter break. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that you don’t worry unnecessarily when you hit the road in search of adventure this holiday.
Drive safely
When it comes to your car, safety comes first. We’ve identified the most essential tips to follow before you head out on our roads this holiday:
Keep the wheels turning
First things first, make sure your tyres and brakes are in good working order. This is crucial. It would be best if you had adequate tread of at least 1 mm, a spare wheel and all the necessary tools to change a wheel.
Make sure you have a reflective triangle and good quality flashlight that you can use to warn motorists that your car has broken down. (Read our blog about what to do if you’re ever in an incident with your car.)
Remember, if your vehicle is not roadworthy, insurance might not pay out, so it’s worth having it checked out if you’re not sure.
In the driver’s seat
They say failing to plan is planning to fail, so plan your route ahead of time and keep the distances you drive per day manageable. Take turns driving and stop frequently to stretch your legs and get some refreshments. Consider staying somewhere overnight if you’re driving really far.
It goes without saying that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous for you and other road users. Of course, your insurance won’t pay out if any accidents are caused as a result and it is also punishable by law.
Another biggie that could lead to insurance not paying out if you’re in an incident, is driving without a valid driver’s license.
Clear view
Check your windows for any chips or cracks and have these fixed before the trip. Check that your window wipers are in good working order and replace them if necessary. You never know when you might be caught in a downpour.
Covered
This is a good time to check what’s included in your cover. Some plans have an optional car rental if your car breaks down and also accommodation if it happens in another town. As a Ctrl client, you can easily view everything that’s included in your cover on the app. If you’re not a client yet, you can visit our webapp to register and request an obligation free quote.
Home sweet home
Leaving your home as you head off can be stress-free if you put a few things in place:
- Lock all doors and windows, make sure your alarms and electric fences are in working order and inform your security company that you are away.
- Ask someone to pop in every now and then to check that everything is fine. It helps if there is some movement around the house so that it’s not so obvious that there’s no one home. Ideally, get someone to house-sit for you.
- Don’t post your travel plans, or ‘check in’ somewhere on social media. You can share your lovely photos after the event when you’re back safely.
- Unplug all unnecessary appliances, such as the TV, coffee maker and kettle. Not only is this protection from damaging power surges, but it will also likely save electricity, as in the case of geysers for example.
- Don’t draw curtains or have outside lights burning during the day, it makes it obvious that there’s no one home.
Now all you have to do is pack those suitcases, load the family and set out… After a quick and painful stop at the filling station, of course! Stay safe, stay warm and come back rested and energised to tackle the rest of the year.