As the Easter holiday approaches, thousands of South Africans will be hitting the roads to visit family, enjoy a getaway, or attend religious gatherings. However, with increased traffic comes a heightened risk of accidents. Dewald Ranft, Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) Organisation, expresses deep concern over the continued loss of life on South African roads—particularly in accidents involving heavy vehicles.
Recent incidents paint a grim picture. On February 19, a bus carrying American tourists overturned near Dullstroom, injuring all 10 passengers. On March 9, nine churchgoers tragically lost their lives when a bus overturned in KwaZulu-Natal. Just two days later, a City of Ekurhuleni bus rolled on the R21, killing 13 people and injuring 45. The following day, 19 learners were hurt when their school bus collided with a truck in Germiston.
While some accidents are due to unavoidable circumstances—like the wet road conditions in the Dullstroom crash—many are linked to mechanical failures such as burst tyres or faulty brakes. Even when vehicles are deemed roadworthy, as in the case of the City of Ekurhuleni bus, the high-risk nature of South Africa’s roads demands extra vigilance from drivers and vehicle owners alike.
The Importance of a Roadworthy Vehicle
Ranft underscores that maintaining a roadworthy vehicle is a critical component of safe driving, but it is only part of the equation. “South African motorists face unique challenges, from pothole-riddled roads to inadequate law enforcement and corruption in licensing departments. Because our roads are so unsafe, motorists have a higher responsibility to ensure their own safety,” he says.
A roadworthy vehicle significantly reduces the likelihood of an accident. Regular servicing and maintenance at an accredited workshop provide peace of mind and help detect potential issues before they become life-threatening hazards. Additionally, responsible driving habits—such as wearing seatbelts, planning routes, and adhering to road rules—can make all the difference in preventing tragedies on our roads.
Essential Vehicle Checks Before You Travel
To ensure a safe journey, MIWA advises motorists to conduct the following 10 checks regularly:
- Lights and Indicators – Ensure all lights, including headlights (both standard and bright beams), fog lights, brake lights, and indicators, are functioning correctly.
- Brakes – Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations when braking. Check for signs of wear or damage, including the handbrake. Address any issues immediately.
- Safety Equipment – Keep essential safety gear in your vehicle, such as an emergency triangle, tyre repair kit, torch, reflective vest or tape, extra water, and a first-aid kit.
- Tyres – Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure (found on the driver’s side door panel or near the fuel tank) and check the tread depth. South African regulations require a minimum tread depth of one millimetre across the circumference of the tyre. Don’t forget to inspect the spare tyre as well.
- Radiator – Watch for fluid leaks or signs of overheating. If you notice green, orange, or yellow liquid under your vehicle, you may have a coolant leak that needs immediate attention.
- Fluid Levels – Regularly check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid. Always keep an extra bottle of water in your vehicle for emergencies.
- Wiper Blades and Windscreen – Ensure wiper blades are in good condition and don’t produce streaks or noise. Inspect the windscreen for cracks that could worsen and impact visibility.
- Battery – Secure battery connection points and check voltage levels. Warning signs such as dim lights while idling or clicking sounds when starting the ignition indicate that a battery replacement may be needed.
- Electronic Components – Test all electronic systems, including air conditioning, radio, GPS, and sensors. These provide vital information about your vehicle’s performance and should function properly.
- Licence Disc and Insurance – Ensure your licence disc is up to date and review your insurance policy to understand what you are covered for.
Drive Responsibly
“A vehicle needs to be in optimal condition to handle the unpredictable nature of our roads, but the driver also plays a crucial role,” says Ranft. “Get these checks done at an accredited MIWA workshop before embarking on a long trip, and once on the road, drive responsibly. Obey all traffic signs, never overtake recklessly, and always consider the safety of others.”
To find an accredited MIWA workshop near you, visit www.miwa.org.za. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and make this Easter holiday a time of celebration, not tragedy.
