August 6, 2021 - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Caution: School children ahead

vuyi on August 6, 2021

Since school has resumed for most students, the Road Safety Partnership South Africa (RSP-SA) is cautioning drivers to expect more challenges on the road.

Since school has resumed for most students, the Road Safety Partnership South Africa (RSP-SA) is cautioning drivers to expect more challenges on the road. From more children crossing the street unexpectedly to transporters who have been off the road for so me time, drivers need to be prepared for whatever challenges this may create for them.

You can expect roads to be busier and if you were previously tempted to take advantage of the emptier roads, rather slow down and be more cautious

The RSP-SA says the first challenge to anticipate is increased traffic.

“Many drivers have become accustomed to open roads and less obstacles to be careful of. Now, however, with both an increase in school transportation and employees returning to work under level three, think twice about racing down streets that have been quiet, particularly those in close vicinity to schools.

“Drivers who have not been on the road for some time may also still be recalling their driving muscle memory. Their reflexes, if someone suddenly cuts them off or they need to swerve out of the way, will therefore be slower. In general, you can expect roads to be busier and if you were previously tempted to take advantage of the emptier roads, rather slow down and be more cautious.”

As roads get busier as students return to school, keep the theme of the UN Global Road Safety Week in mind. “This year the initiative called for the lowering of speed limits in areas that are congested with both vehicles and people. The #Love30 campaign promoted the lowering of speed limits to 30km/h in these areas.

Make it your own commitment to lower driving speeds to make the roads safer for both young pedestrians and other vehicles

“Even if the campaign is not successful in lowering speed limits to 30km/h, not just around schools but in any area that may have more school children after school, make it your own commitment to lower driving speeds to make the roads safer for both young pedestrians and other vehicles.”

As you drive in the coming weeks spare a thought for the young road users. “Around 1 000 children, both as pedestrians and occupants, are killed on South African roads each year while another 45 000 are injured. Ensure you do not add to this figure by not being careful in areas where children are likely to be,” says the RSP-SA.

Courtesy of MasterDrive

Mobility tips to minimise your expenditure and maximise your savings

vuyi on August 6, 2021

Your car could be the first major financial asset that you will own and manage. Here are some handy tips that could save you money and help preserve your asset.

Your car could be the first major financial asset that you will own and manage. As with any asset, the key to maximising its performance, longevity and saleability is ensuring that you take care of it and keep it in the best condition possible. One way is to familiarise yourself with some handy tips that could save you money and help preserve your asset.

With July as National Savings Month drawing to a close, the focus has been on key aspects around saving and financial planning. As such, it is a good time to examine the household budget and see where savings can be made, including on your vehicle, recommends leading vehicle and asset solutions provider WesBank. Getting car insurance, a tracking device and other value-added products are great for ensuring that you maintain the value of your car.

The freedom of movement afforded to you by having your own vehicle is unparalleled, however it is important to ensure your vehicle is well maintained
– Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank Motor Communication Specialist

However, on a day-to-day basis, here are a few tips that WesBank suggests you follow to assist you with managing and minimising your monthly expenditure, which could also lead to better savings.

While driving, use a navigation system or app with real-time traffic monitoring to avoid traffic congestion, which wastes fuel.
Weigh up the route options. Though it might be quicker on the highway, remember to take into account toll charges, where applicable. For intra-city travel, it could be more affordable to avoid tolled highways whereas, for inter-city journeys, tolls might be cheaper than the cost of extra fuel on back roads.
Clear out any unnecessary clutter in your car that could weigh it down, resulting in unnecessary and excess fuel usage.
Use the correct fuel grade for your vehicle model. If you are not sure, speak to your dealer for the best advice on what fuel to use to ensure optimum performance for your car.
Replacing worn tyres is essential for vehicle safety on the road but can be expensive and is not covered in service/maintenance plans. Ensuring your car’s wheel alignment is set correctly will prevent premature wear and tear, fueled in part by aggressive driving habits, and will positively affect your fuel consumption.
Car insurance policies are like a safety net to protect your car. There are a variety of insurance policies available on the market – do your research and tailor a policy to accommodate your specific needs. Check in periodically with your insurer and negotiate lower premiums. A claim-free history will do wonders for your premium, and insurers are more likely to negotiate with low-risk clients. If your car is financed, it is important to note that having insurance is mandatory, so cancelling is not a wise (or possible) option. Also consider bundling your car and home insurance for a lower premium.
Check your car license disc expiry date. Keeping on top of renewal payments will minimise late renewal penalties. On the subject of penalties, it is equally important to follow the rules of the road. A traffic fine or infringement is an avoidable and unnecessary expense in your budget.

The point is not to compromise the wellbeing of your car, but to invest in the most cost-effective ways to keep it running.
– KUTLWANO MOGATUSI, WESBANK MOTOR COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

“The point is not to compromise the wellbeing of your car, but to invest in the most cost-effective ways to keep it running at its optimum performance level. Doing so could mean more savings to your budget in the long term,” says Kutlwano Mogatusi, WesBank Motor Communication Specialist.

“The freedom of movement afforded to you by having your own vehicle is unparalleled. However, it is important to ensure your vehicle is maintained and in the best condition to avoid incurring unnecessary costs and expenditure.”