Moving into autumn, drivers face a seasonal change that affects road conditions and driver behaviour. Shorter daylight hours, increased rainfall and heavier commuter traffic create conditions that call for greater vehicle awareness and preparation.
With the height of the Easter travel period approaching on before and during the public holiday, the Department of Transport expects a rise in traffic volumes on national and regional routes. South Africa still records thousands of road fatalities every year, with human error responsible for the majority of crashes.
Seasonal travel peaks such as Easter also place added pressure on roads, with increased traffic flows and long distance travel contributing to fatigue and poor decision making.
According to Mike Pashut, CEO of ChangeCars, many motorists focus on technology and features when thinking about vehicle safety, but overlook the basic checks that keep a car safe on the road.
“The basics still matter most. Tyres, brakes and visibility systems are the first line of safety and should be checked regularly, especially before busy travel periods like Easter,” says Pashut.
For one, the most recent Western Cape Mobility Report has highlighted that behaviour and vehicle condition play a role in crash statistics. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users and poor visibility at night and in wet weather increases the risk of collisions.
Autumn conditions in many parts of South Africa can also reduce visibility and traction. Early morning fog, wet roads and falling leaves can affect braking distances and tyre grip. These factors make routine vehicle checks particularly important for commuters who spend long hours on the road.
“Many drivers only think about vehicle maintenance when something goes wrong,” Pashut explains. “But small checks can prevent bigger problems. A worn tyre or weak wiper blade may seem minor, but in heavy traffic or rain it can make a real difference to safety.”
With the Easter period approaching and daily traffic volumes expected to increase, motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicles well in advance.
Here are Pashut’s most practical checks recommended for autumn driving:
- Check tyre condition and tread depth to ensure proper grip in wet conditions.
- Confirm tyre pressure is correct, including the spare wheel.
- Test brakes for responsiveness and unusual noises.
- Replace worn windscreen wiper blades before the rainy season.
- Ensure headlights, brake lights and indicators are working.
- Clean the windscreen inside and outside to improve visibility.
- Top up engine oil, coolant and brake fluid.
- Check the battery condition before colder winter mornings arrive.
- Carry an emergency kit with warning triangles and a torch.
- Plan rest breaks on long trips to avoid driver fatigue.“Prepared drivers make safer decisions,” says Pashut. “A vehicle that is well maintained gives you one less thing to worry about when traffic volumes increase and conditions change.”
As autumn progresses and South Africa moves closer to winter, these basic checks can help motorists stay safer on increasingly busy roads.