Dec 03, 2025 CTU Commuter Transport Insurance, Road Traffic Management Corporation,
Be safe on South Africa’s highways
As the holiday season approaches, South Africa’s road network undergoes its annual December surge. Increased motorists setting off on family travel combined with long distance, taxis and interprovincial buses running at capacity, and a significant rise in freight delivery to retailers, all contributing to dense, fast-moving traffic conditions. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, more than 1 552 fatalities occurred during the December 2024/2025 holiday period alone, a stark reminder of the risks of festive-season travel. This is a time for vigilance, planning, and clear-headed action, especially in emergencies.
As a specialist insurer in the commuter transport sector, working daily with taxi operators, bus fleets and other commuter transports like e-hailing services, CTU Commuter Transport Insurance has seen first-hand how quickly roadside incidents can escalate when drivers and passengers don’t know how to respond in an emergency. This guidance is being shared to help all South Africans travel safer and handle emergencies with confidence during peak travel season.
Most articles repeat the same three safety tips: buckle up, don’t drink and drive, and rest well before and during long trips. These are of course vital aspects of road safety, but we also need to be prepared for the critical moments after an accident. These include steps addressing situational awareness, correct action, and personal safety.
1. After an accident or breakdown - get to safety, do not stay in or near the vehicle
This is crucial because many highway collisions are followed by a secondary crash, oncoming drivers may pass too fast to react. A stationary car can be struck again while occupants are still inside or standing nearby.
Damaged vehicles may also pose fire risk due to ruptured fuel lines and exposed wiring, distance significantly reduces injury.
If possible, move the car off the road or onto the shoulder
• Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately
• Do not stand in the road or near moving traffic
• Move well away from the vehicle, a safe distance is 10–20 metres.
Call the right emergency numbers - Calling the correct responder reduces delay and ensures help reaches you faster.
• 112 from any cellphone for national emergency services
• Save local EMS numbers for the provinces you’re travelling through
• Use region-based towing services - they have the fastest turnaround
Assist the injured: safely
• Check first that you are not in harm’s way
• Call emergency services as the first response
• Do not move an injured person unless there is a direct threat (fire, fuel leak, oncoming traffic)
• If trained, apply basic first aid: stop bleeding, keep the person warm and still
Incorrect movement of an injured person can worsen spinal or internal injuries — professional care is essential.
Protect against crime at accident scenes - If you are worried about roadside crime — including theft, intimidation, or identification as a vulnerable target, keep your distance, stay in a visible but secure position, and only engage with police, uniformed responders, or verified officials.
· Keep personal items concealed
· Be cautious of unknown individuals who arrive uninvited, South Africans are good-hearted - but not everyone at an accident scene is there to help.
Notify your insurer
• Notify your insurer asap, especially if they have preferred emergency support/assistance, towing partners, garages, or panel beaters. In addition, late reporting is one of the most common reasons claims are delayed or rejected.
Include:
· Photos of the scene and damage
· Police case number
· Insurance and personal details of other drivers plus licence plate details and vehicle details
· A sketch of the accident scene
· Tow operator details
· Medical reports if applicable
Only use authorised towing services
Unsanctioned towing is a known national problem and can result in inflated costs and withheld vehicles.
•Ask for identification
• Check whether they are registered with your insurer
• Photograph their operator card and the tow truck
• Request a written cost estimate before approving the tow
December travel is part of South Africa’s festive rhythm as families reunite, provinces fill with visitors, and long roads become shared spaces. CTU urges all motorists to travel alert, make safety-first decisions, and be prepared to respond smartly and calmly if something goes wrong. Your safety, and that of your passengers, is shaped by preparation, awareness, and quick, informed action.
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