How Power Outages Change Road Safety – And What It Means for Your Cover

Power outages have become a daily reality in South Africa, but its impact goes beyond just power outages. It’s quietly reshaping road safety and influencing insurance claims. From dark intersections to increased crime risks, here’s how power outages affect driving and why having the right cover is essential.

1. Dark Intersections = Higher Accident Risk

When traffic lights go out during power outages, intersections turn into high-risk zones. Confusion, impatience, and misjudged right-of-way often lead to fender benders and serious crashes. Without functioning traffic lights, drivers are forced to navigate intersections as four-way stops, which can be chaotic, especially during peak traffic hours.

2. Increased Theft & Hijacking

Criminals take advantage of power outages, knowing that CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and even streetlights might be offline. This creates more opportunities for car theft, smash-and-grabs, and hijackings – especially in poorly lit areas or during late hours.

Insurance Insight: Comprehensive cover protects you against theft and hijacking. Additionally, installing security upgrades like immobilizers, tracking devices, or anti-smash-and-grab film can decrease your risk of something happening. Remember, if your car is stolen or hijacked, you must report the incident to the police within 48 and lay a criminal charge to ensure your claim is valid.

3. Visibility & Driver Fatigue

With streetlights off, visibility drops significantly, making it harder to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and road hazards. This is particularly dangerous in areas with poor road infrastructure or where pedestrians frequently cross the road.

Power outages often lead to longer traffic hours for many South Africans, leaving drivers fatigued and more prone to mistakes. Fatigue can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Safety Tip: Always ensure your car’s headlights and taillights are in good working condition. Consider using high beams on dark roads but switch to low beams when approaching other cars to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

4. Increased Wear and Tear on Cars

Power outages often lead to increased traffic congestion as drivers avoid dark or unsafe areas, resulting in longer commutes. This can cause additional wear and tear on your car, including higher fuel consumption, brake wear, and tire degradation.

Insurance Insight: While wear and tear isn’t covered by insurance, regular car maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and ensure your car remains roadworthy. Always check your tires, brakes, and lights before driving, especially during power outages.

Practical Safety Tips for Power Outages

1. 1. Plan Your Route: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to check for traffic congestion and avoid high-crime areas during outages, even if it means taking a longer route.

1. 1. Drive Slower: Reduce your speed in dark zones to allow more reaction time for unexpected hazards.

1. 1. Use Dashcams or GPS Trackers: These devices can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident or theft and can run on backup power.

1. 1. Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like mobile phones and keep your focus on the road, especially in poorly lit areas.

1. 1. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Save the numbers for your insurer, roadside assistance, and local police station in case of an emergency.

Prime’s Cover Advantage

At Prime, we understand the challenges power outages bring to road safety. That’s why our 24/7 emergency assistance services are designed to keep you safe – even during a blackout. With Prime, help is just a tap away.

Our comprehensive car insurance policies also include benefits like RoadCover, which assists you in claiming compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) for accidents caused by third-party negligence. This includes coverage for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and general damages for pain and suffering.

Bottom Line Power outages aren’t just a power problem – it’s a road safety challenge. By adopting safe driving habits and ensuring you have the right insurance cover, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unnecessary risks and costly claims. At Prime, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges with confidence and peace of mind.