Another December, another holiday exodus. South Africans are hitting the highways with dreams of beaches, braais, and time with family. But while the roads may seem clearer, Discovery Insure’s latest Drive Trends research paints a grim picture of what happens when we let our guard down behind the wheel.
Released recently, the Discovery Insure Holiday Drive Trends report reveals alarming patterns in driving behavior over the festive season. With reduced bumper-to-bumper traffic, many drivers succumb to the temptation to speed, believing it will get them to their destinations faster. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t. According to the data, speeding saves just two to four minutes per hour. That’s right—risking your life for a time saving that barely registers.
As someone who spends hours on the road each December, (I mostly drive from Gauteng to Gqeberha), I’ve seen how dangerous these habits can be. One particularly harrowing trip stands out: a speeding car veered too close while overtaking on the N1. My heart pounded as I narrowly avoided a collision. The driver sped on, seemingly unaware of how close we came to disaster. Incidents like these are far too common, and the statistics back it up.
During the December-January holiday period, drivers are 26% more likely to speed compared to the rest of the year, the data shows. “Our report reveals that speeding—defined as driving at least 10 km/h over the limit—provides negligible time savings,” says Robert Attwell, Discovery Insure CEO. “We encourage drivers to rather enjoy the journey and take a relaxed, safe trip down to the coast to avoid risking you and your passengers’ safety.”
Another troubling finding from the report is that 7% of drivers make the Johannesburg-to-Durban journey without stopping. The data shows that skipping rest breaks leads to a 36% increase in aggressive driving during the second half of the trip.
I learned this the hard way. On one trip to Gqeberha, I pushed myself to drive without a break, determined to shave time off the journey. By the second half of the trip, my concentration wavered, and I found myself making small but dangerous mistakes. It was a stark reminder that fatigue can be as dangerous as speeding. Ever since then, I make sure I make stops frequently.
The Discovery report echoes this: drivers who stop for just 30 minutes arrive more rested, alert, and most importantly, alive.
Most holidaymakers flock to the roads between 04:00 and 07:00, creating unnecessary bottlenecks, the report says. Discovery’s research reveals a simple solution: start your journey later. Only 9% of trips begin between 07:00 and 08:00, and a mere 12% start after 11:00. A relaxed breakfast at home could mean a smoother, safer drive.
Similarly, delaying your return trip can significantly reduce stress and risk. The busiest day to drive back from Durban to Johannesburg is 2 January, but by waiting until later in the week, you can avoid the crush. “As we get closer to 7 January, our data shows there are half as many cars on the road,” says Attwell. “In the week after 7 January, traffic drops to just 10% of New Year’s levels.”
December isn’t just about holiday cheer; it’s also one of the deadliest months on South African roads. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, most fatal accidents occur during this period, fueled by alcohol consumption, fatigue, and reckless driving.
As you pack your bags and plan your holiday playlist, take a moment to reflect. Is saving a few minutes worth the risk to your life and the lives of others? I’ve learned that the best gift you can give your loved ones is your safe return.
Drive slower. Take breaks. Plan smarter. And remember: the destination will still be there, but only if you arrive safely.
* Maleke is the editor of Personal Finance
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