South Africa is experiencing higher-than-normal rainfall across the different provinces, especially Gauteng. The increased higher than normal rainfall usually leads to increased car accidents as well as incidents which consequently translates to an influx in insurance claims.
The weather conditions in other parts of Gauteng are a concern for motorists especially after yesterday’s hailstorm in arears like Midrand, Bryanston and Inner-city Johannesburg.
While experiencing the wet weather conditions, it is important for motorists to keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Keep a safe following distance between your car and that of other cars on the road in front of you, as your vehicle will require more space to come to a stop on wet, slippery roads.
- Switch on headlights for increased visibility. If rainfall is severe, utilise your hazards to improve the visibility of your vehicle.
- Reduce your speed while driving when it rains Should you be caught in a sudden thunderstorm, please make sure that you reduce your speed gradually.
- Avoid braking too heavily or suddenly, because doing so might result in your vehicle going into a skid or slide.
- Please take note and act on weather warning SMSs.
- For those who park their cars outside, they should try and find a spot that is nowhere near trees.
- If you are wary of driving under particular weather conditions, choose a safe place to park and wait out the weather.
“The safety and peace of mind of our clients is very important to us as a business and it is for this reason, we send out alert messages to our clients to be cautious during these wet weather conditions. It is also important for clients to be aware of the kind of cover they have taken and understand the claims process as often clients find themselves in situations where we cannot assist because the individual does not have comprehensive cover, or they have stopped paying their insurance premiums. We also urge drivers who will be commuting during these wet weather conditions to take additional precautions as the roads will be slippery and the heavy rain may result in extra challenges for drivers, including flooded roads and diminished visibility” says Funeka Ngewu, Executive Head of Claims at Momentum Insure.