For South African drivers, some situations have become the norm – dodging potholes, thinking it’s your turn at a traffic light that’s out or dealing with risky drivers at high speeds. As the season changes (yep, we are getting there!), let’s remind ourselves of the different weather/environmental factors that can impact our journey on the roads.
- Sun Glare = Low Visibility
That golden-hour glow can be blinding. Sun glare in the mornings or afternoons can make it difficult to see traffic signs, pedestrians crossing the road, and vehicles in front of you.
Tip: Use your sun visor, wear your sunglasses, and keep your windshield clean! - Rain = Slippery Roads
After a dry spell, rainfall can become dangerous due to a layer of oil, dust and general debris that gathers on the road. Hydroplaning is real – this is when water gets between your tyres and the road, and your car loses traction, causing you to skid.
Tip: Slow down, keep a safe following distance, and check if your tyres have a good tread depth for better grip. - Frost & Ice
Yes, even in South Africa, frost and ice can still be a real hazard in some parts of the country, like the Drakensberg, Free State, and parts of Gauteng in the mornings. When temperatures drop, moisture on the road can freeze and create invisible ice patches, which are hard to spot and super slippery. Be careful of bridges and overpasses as cold air circulates both above and below these roads.
Tip: If you hit an icy patch, don’t slam on your brakes. Ease off the accelerator and keep control. - Fog & Misty Conditions
Thick fog in early mornings is a common hazard in mountain passes and coastal regions like the Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. This can drastically reduce visibility. When drivers can’t see what’s ahead, reaction times are reduced, and sudden braking and swerving becomes riskier. Fog can create an optical illusion where objects seem farther away than they are. This can make you misjudge stopping distances or feel like they’re moving slower than they are.
Tip: Use low beams as high beams reflect off fog, creating glare. - Smoke from Veld Fires
The dry season brings an increased risk of veld fires in areas like Limpopo, the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and the Free State. These fires spread quickly, and smoke can drift onto roads, which can reduce visibility. Dense smoke can make it impossible to see the car in front of you or road signs. In extreme cases, the smoke can cause eye irritation or coughing, which can distract you from focusing on the road ahead.
Tip: Close your windows and switch to the recirculated air function. If you can’t see ahead, pull over at a safe location and turn on your hazards to alert others.
accidentANGELS: Your Safety Net When Accidents Happen
No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen at any time. With an affordable accident plan from accidentANGELS, you won’t have to worry about the cost of private hospital care after a road accident. Here are some of the membership benefits:
- No waiting period
- Nationwide protection
- Add a dependant on your plan for R99pm
- Up to R1 million in-patient funds
- Immediate R10 000 for outpatient costs at the ER
Mzansi, drive safe and make sure you have a plan in place. Check it out here.
