With the Easter holiday period fast approaching, Dewald Ranft, Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), is raising crucial alarm bells about road safety, particularly concerning accidents involving heavy vehicles.
The onset of holiday travel typically sees a surge in road traffic, increasing the potential for tragedies on South Africa’s roads, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Ranft emphasised that despite the importance of having a roadworthy vehicle—a basic tenet of safe driving—there are numerous other factors that play a critical role in accident prevention.
‘A roadworthy vehicle lowers the risk of an accident. Regular servicing and maintenance at an accredited workshop provides you with peace of mind,’ he stated.
However, Ranft is acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by South African motorists. ‘The state of our roads, the lack of law enforcement, and the corruption that plagues licensing departments contribute significantly to the high death toll on our roads,’ he said.
These disturbing realities exacerbate the dangers already posed by heavy vehicles, which are often involved in serious accidents. According to MIWA, the loss of life on the roads is a crisis that requires immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.
In light of the Easter holiday’s heightened travel expectations, Ranft urges motorists to take greater personal responsibility to ensure their own safety on the roads.
He offers practical advice that includes not only ensuring vehicles are roadworthy but also practising safe behaviour while driving.
‘Safety starts with small steps—making sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled up, including children of all ages, can save lives,’
He also stresses the importance of planning your route ahead of time, which can help avoid potential hazards.
MIWA says these things must be checked regularly:
- Lights and indicators – Check that all your lights are working correctly. Check headlights (including bright beam bulbs), fog lights, indicators and brake lights.
- Safety equipment – Like emergency triangles and tyre kit. Also include things like a torch, reflective vest or tape, extra water and a first aid kit.
- Tyres – Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure (find this on the inside door panel on the driver’s side or near the fuel tank) and ensure tyre tread is checked too. SA regulation stipulates that tyre tread depth must measure at a minimum of one millimetre across the circumference of the tyre. Always have the spare tyre checked too.
- Radiator – Don’t ignore any fluid leaks or overheating. If you notice a green, orange or yellow liquid under your vehicle, it means there is a cooling liquid leak.
- Brakes – Check for any signs of wear or damage, including the handbrake. Any uneven wear, strange noiseor vibrations from your vehicle’s braking system should be checked and fixed as soon as possible.
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Picture: Gallo Images/ER Lombard
