Visiting friends and family during the holiday season is something we all look forward to. Whether it’s a short visit or a long road trip, it’s important to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe and enjoying the festivities responsibly.
While road accidents are more frequent during the festive season, there are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.
In this blog, we will learn ways to prevent accidents during this risky time of the year, and how Cartrack solutions can help keep you safe.
In this article, you will:
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Learn why driving during the festive season is more risky
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Discover ways to avoid car accidents during the festive season
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Find out how to protect yourself during the festive season with Cartrack’s solutions
Why driving during the festive season is more risky
According to recent stats the number of people who died in road accidents in Namibia in 2024 was over 230 .By understanding the reasons behind these accidents, we can better equip ourselves to prevent them. Here are some of the causes of festive season car accidents on the road:
Road rage due to impatience
Road rage is when a driver expresses aggression toward another driver in various ways. It can escalate from verbal abuse all the way to physical assault. Often times, heightened emotions cause drivers to lose focus, leading to car accidents. This is very common during the holiday season as most people get frustrated on the road as they rush to reach their destinations.
Holiday traffic congestion
Traffic is bound to be heavy when everyone is travelling to the same place at the same time. This can lead to collisions or cars blocking intersections. You may witness illegal U-turns, poorly navigated lane changes, and driving on the shoulder of the road.
Long-distance driving fatigue
Many people take to the road during the festive season, often on long-distance road trips. These trips can easily lead to fatigue, especially if no breaks are taken. Fatigue from long-distance trips can lead to poor driving. Tired drivers do not concentrate when behind the wheel making more errors.
Poor weather conditions
The heavy rainfall in summer makes the roads unpredictable. Those who don’t have much experience in driving in wet conditions, might not know how to navigate this situation, which can lead to more accidents.
Overloaded vehicles
A car that is overloaded with luggage and all other holiday goods is also prone to accidents because the weight puts a strain on its tyres. This causes the tyres to overheat and wear rapidly, which increases the chances of premature tyre failure or blow-outs.
Night driving with poor visibility
The risk of car accidents increases at night due to poor visibility. Certain areas have less lighting than others, making it difficult for drivers to see objects that are far away, such as roadsigns or pedestrians. The inability to see these objects is dangerous for everyone on the road and causes accidents.
Driving in unfamiliar areas
A city that the driver knows is easier to navigate because he/she is familiar with the road conditions. During the holiday season, most people drive in unfamiliar areas that might have unexpected curves, and more potholes, which leads to accidents.
Lack of vehicle maintenance
Vehicles need to be prepped for long-distance journeys and some people do not keep that in mind. This leads to accidents in high volumes caused by things that could have been fixed before the trip, such as faulty brakes or headlights.
Ways to avoid car accidents during the festive season
The festive season does not have to be as dangerous on the roads. There are safety precautions you can implement, such as the ones listed below:
- Avoid distractions: The most obvious way to get distracted is by talking to or texting someone on your phone while on the road. In South Africa, holding a cell phone while driving is illegal, if you really need to speak to someone, rather use hands-free devices. Loud music and ongoing discussions can also be distracting and can impair your response time.
- Keep to the speed limit: Driving within the speed limit helps you protect yourself and others. Speeding can cause you to lose control and reduce your reaction time. Car accidents caused by speeding can result in severe injuries. You should do your best to keep a consistent speed and maintain a safe driving distance.
- Follow road rules: Following the rules of the road is essential for all road safety. A predictable driving style means other drivers can understand what you are doing and can respond in kind.
- Protect yourself from road rage: If you come across someone aggressive while on the road, you should avoid responding with rude words or gestures. Let the driver pass if possible, and keep a safe distance.
- Be courteous when driving: Always practice courteous driving. Being patient and calm, especially during the holiday, can soothe tensions on the road.
- Assign a designated driver: Choose one person to abstain from drinking when going out. This person will be responsible for driving and ensuring everyone gets home safely.
- Use an e-hailing service: When out having fun, use an e-hailing service to minimise the chances of an accident. Many people will order these services beforehand, so pre-booking is a good idea. This is possible via some ridesharing applications such as Uber and Bolt.
- Drive carefully on wet roads during rainfall: Be extra cautious when driving on wet roads and during heavy rain. Some tips include driving more slowly and avoiding harsh turning or braking. You should ensure you always have your seatbelt on.
Some extra factors you can consider include driving in low gear if taking a bend and paying extra attention to your blind spots as it may be more difficult to see vehicles in these areas at first glance. Lastly, make use of your low-beam headlights as they not only help you to see but also help others see you.
Protect yourself during the festive season with Cartrack’s empowering solutions
Cartrack is devoted to keeping you safe on the road and empowering you to prevent and handle accidents effectively all year round. We offer the following solutions:
- Road Vision Camera: This solution motivates people to drive safely—they know they are being recorded while driving which holds them more accountable. Also, if you end up in an accident, there will be footage to help you understand what you or another driver did wrong.
- Crash Detection: Using the IoT (Internet of Things), our Crash Detection solution detects any impact with objects in real time. If you get into an accident, our control room agents will be notified. They will then call you or one of your emergency contacts to understand the situation and send immediate help.
- Protector: Get medical, roadside and legal solutions, all at the push of an emergency button. Our Protector solution is available 24/7 through our Mobile App. This is a value-added service that can prove useful in a car accident, especially during the festive season.
Take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones so you can enjoy the holiday season. If you do find yourself in an unfortunate situation, remember that Cartrack has your back. Contact us now for this dedicated protection.
