Are women better drivers than men? The age-old debate rages on, but cartrack.co.za did recently report: “Today in South Africa, women exhibit a higher likelihood of responsible driving behaviour than men. And, considering local role-players like poor road conditions and high-accident rates, ‘responsible driver’ is a fitting definition for ‘better driver'”.
Dewald Ranft, Chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says that being a responsible driver also means being prepared for any eventuality on the road.
In this respect, women are also proving to lead the pack, as we found out when we asked three ladies who work in the automotive sector and are members of MIWA what the five most important items are they always have in their car.
Whether moms, bosses or wives, these ladies aren’t hitting the road without the following essentials …
Liesl Venter (LR Auto Workshop and Service Centre, Pretoria):
1. First-aid kit
2. Flashlight
3. Seatbelt cutter/glass breaker, pocketknife
4. Blanket
5. Water
“These are my top five. But I also make sure I have a flashlight, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a cellphone car charger and an emergency tool kit. The water, the emergency tool kit, first aid kit and blanket can easily be stored in the rear of the vehicle.
“I keep the toothbrush and toothpaste in the glove compartment in case I need to do an emergency sleepover. A small flashlight, knife, and a glass breaker/seatbelt cutter are in the side door pocket so that I can easily grab them.”
Boitumelo Moroe, (Bosch Car Service FMC, Johannesburg)
1) Umbrella: This is my one-stop shield against any type of weather – and, the bigger the better! You could also use it as a weapon to defend yourself if needed.
2) Flash light: Comes in handy should your car break down at night or if you need to change a tyre in the dark.
3) Mini first-aid kit: I keep the basic first-aid items, such as bandages, plasters, mouth guard, scissors, etc. Injuries can happen at any time, so it’s important to have the basics.
4) Tyre plug kit: I know how to change a tyre but like the fact that a tyre plug kit can easily and quickly give you a temporary repair. This is a better option, especially if you feel as if you are not in a safe location.
5) Tyre compressor: As much as most modern cars have run-flat indicators, a compact tyre compressor comes in very handy when you lose air compression in the middle of nowhere.
6) My bonus item: A notebook and pen to write down any notes in an emergency, when my cellphone may be dead and I have no means to charge it. I also have an emergency contact list at the back of the notebook.
Marelize Ranft (Dyno Tech, Bloemfontein)
1. Flashlight with taser: To see in the dark and protect myself. You can also run away if you need to and be able to see where you’re going and have a form of protection.
2. Rubber gloves: To protect your newly done nails and give you more grip on tools, especially when loosening a tyre.
3. Wet wipes: To clean yourself up before you go to a meeting and have no time to stop.
4. Bandages: To stop bleeding if you accidently cut yourself. Have some paracetamol too.
5. USB charger cable: To charge your phone if the battery is flat and you need to call for help!
Ranft is impressed with these female drivers’ go-to items when taking to the road.
“Women should be prepared even if undertaking a short trip to visit a friend. Accidents and injuries can happen quickly. I’d say what is most important is being able to get help quickly via cellphone or an emergency app.
“Another aspect of being a responsible driver is ensuring your vehicle is regularly serviced at a reputable workshop. If your car is reliable and well maintained you immediately lessen the risk to yourself and other drivers and increase the chance of reaching your destination safely.”
We asked three ladies who work in the automotive sector and are members of MIWA what the five most important items are they always have in their car. https://t.co/DbnpomwQQ0 #ArriveAlive #Women pic.twitter.com/x91BZ7GDad
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) August 29, 2024