With the festive season holidays fast approaching, countless South Africans will be compiling their favourite playlists, finalising
vacation plans with friends and family and gearing up for long trips on the country’s roads.
“There’s nothing more exhilarating than hitting the highway and seeing the open road ahead that signals the start of your festive season
holidays. But unfortunately, this excitement is accompanied by increasing crime rates throughout the country,” says Attie Blaauw, head
of Personal Lines Underwriting.
“Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen significant increases in the frequency and the average value of stolen and hijacked vehicles by
more than 75%. In addition, our reports indicate that while we have known older vehicles with less sophisticated alarm systems to be
the most targeted in the past, during 2022, we have seen a significant increase in the theft and hijacking of newer and more expensive
vehicles,” he adds.
Santam shares the following tips to keep motorists, and their vehicles safe, this holiday season.
Make sure your car is ready for the open road
As exciting as hitting the road during the holidays can be, consider hitting the brakes on your trip until you take your car for a safety
check. Service your car before your trip to ensure your vehicle’s oil and water levels are high and that other system functions, such as
lights, wipers, tyres and brakes, are in working order.
Arrive Alive recommends doing a comprehensive check at least two weeks before you leave to go on holiday, allowing time to do the
required repairs without having to rush for mechanics and automotive parts.
Be aware of remote jamming
Naturally, while driving for extended hours, you’ll want to take a break and stop to stretch your legs, but make sure you park your car
safely when doing so. Ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit, secure area, preferably with a security guard on duty. When possible,
park in a secure garage.
Most importantly, when leaving your vehicle, be aware of remote jamming, which uses a device to stop the car from locking. So, always
physically check your door handle that the car is locked, even if the alarm sounds. It is also advised to ensure you test all remote devices
and security systems at regular intervals. If there are any faults, contact an authorised service provider to fix or replace the faulty
system with a recommended device. It is further advised to always store all valuable personal items such as sunglasses, cellphones and
laptops in a locked boot and not where it’s visible. This reduces the temptation to steal. Some insurance policies specify that items
need to be locked in the boot when unattended, so train yourself and your family to do so regularly.
