Colder weather and rainy forecasts mean slick roads, foggy windscreens, longer commutes, and a higher chance of roadside trouble. This season, emergency planning is essential. An unexpected accident can damage your car, drain your wallet, and leave you in a serious situation requiring urgent care.
So, let’s unpack why preparedness is the best gift you can give your future self and your loved ones and how a smart accident plan can be your literal rainy day fund.
- Car Check 101
- Check tyres: Before you get a repair shop bill, ask your petrol attendant to check pressure and wear when you fill up.
- Replace worn windscreen wipers: If they leave streaks or squeak, replace them. You can also buy generic wipers at Makro, Midas, or Takealot.
- Ask a friend: Help check headlights, brake lights, and indicators while you test them out. Some garages will test bulbs for free if you buy replacements there.
- Ask yourself: Do my brakes respond quickly enough? Listen for squealing or grinding – don’t ignore it! Early checks are far cheaper than full replacements.
Budget tip: Garages are the best way for a quick check if you’re topping up. Join a local WhatsApp or Facebook group to find reputable mobile mechanics at a fraction of the price.
- Road Smarts for Rainy Weather
- Drive slower than usual.
- Increase your following distance.
- Avoid hard braking and sharp turns.
- Watch for pooling water or worn road markings.
- Keep a spare umbrella in your car.
- Having a small towel can also be handy to dry foggy windows.
- Save emergency numbers in your phone.
Quick facts: According to the Road Traffic Management corporation’s 2022 report, 85% of fatal crashes in the country were caused by human errors, but even small environmental factors like weather conditions and poor tyre grip contributed to thousands of road incidents. Preparedness is prevention.
Quick-Fire Budget and Safety Tips For Winter
- Keep a ‘power kit’ at home and in your car: a power bank, torch, candles and matches, snacks and bottled water
- Keep a petrol buffer in case of loadshedding, traffic, and rerouting
- Cut unnecessary travel and batch your errands
- Make sure your car has the essentials: a spare tyre, a safety triangle, a torch, a poncho or rain jacket, and tools to change a tyre
The Affordable Accident Plan To Keep You Protected
A car crash can change your life in seconds and leave you with a mountain of medical bills. Most people assume they will just “sort it out” when it happens. But when you need urgent medical care, private hospital access is not always guaranteed. That’s where accidentANGELS comes in. With a low-cost accident plan at only R149pm, you get:
- Emergency transport to a private hospital
- Guaranteed treatment access
- Up to R200,000 in private hospital treatment if admitted; R1 million if you’re on our R259pm plan
- Immediate R10 000 on your ANGELS Mastercard for ER costs
Preparedness pays off! You don’t have to spend a fortune to be prepared. With a few smart budget checks and habits, you can take control of winter before it controls you.
Your rainy day fund just got literal. And with accidentANGELS, you won’t have to face the storm alone. Sign up today and see all the benefits here.
