Five winter driving mistakes South African motorists must avoid

Winter in South Africa brings more than just a chill. For drivers, it brings hidden hazards that can cost money or even lives. From freezing mornings to flooded roads, the season demands smarter, safer habits behind the wheel.

According to MasterDrive, a leading South African driver training company, several common winter mistakes can be easily avoided if motorists stay alert and adapt their driving to the season.

Here are five common mistakes drivers make during South Africa’s winter months and how to avoid them.

1. Misusing lights in foggy conditions

Fog might tempt you to switch on your brights, but that only worsens the situation. High beams reflect off the mist and bounce light back into your eyes, cutting your visibility.

Instead, use your low beams or fog lights if your vehicle has them. And contrary to popular belief, your hazard lights aren’t a visibility tool. Hazards are for breakdowns or emergency stops, not for driving through fog and misusing them confuses other drivers, especially in low-visibility conditions.

2. Driving through puddles without caution

A puddle might seem harmless, but it could be hiding a deep pothole or worse, a flooded section of road. Never assume the depth of water on the road, especially under bridges or in low-lying areas. Water can damage your suspension or even cause your engine to stall. If it looks too deep, turn around. It’s not worth the risk.

3. Speeding or sudden braking on wet roads

It takes up to twice as long to stop on wet or icy roads, according to South Africa’s Road Traffic Management Corporation. Yet many motorists brake sharply or change lanes suddenly, both of which can cause skidding.

Slow down, avoid tailgating by increasing your following distance and don’t rely on cruise control in poor weather; it reduces your ability to react to hazards in time.

4. Ignoring low sun and early nightfall

Cold temperatures affect tyre pressure, battery life, and even windscreen visibility. Yet many motorists don’t check these before hitting the road.

Make a winter checklist: test your battery, check your tyre treads and pressure, top up fluids, and ensure your wipers are working well. Simple maintenance can prevent major breakdowns. Also, dress warmly and keep a torch, blanket, and first aid kit in your car, especially for long trips in rural areas.

5. Neglecting seasonal car care and habits

Winter sun sits lower in the sky, creating dangerous glare in the mornings and late afternoons. This makes it harder to see pedestrians, road signs, or even other vehicles. Use polarized sunglasses to cut glare, or adjust your departure time where possible. Remember that night also falls earlier in winter. Turn on your headlights at dusk but switch off your high beams when other cars approach.

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