fb
AA Vehicle Rates Calculator

Rates Calculator

Roadside Assistance

Roadside Assistance

Emergency Services

Emergency Services

AA Auto Centre

AA Auto Centre

AA Financial Services

AA Financial Services

AA Travel

AA Travel

Call me backCALL ME BACK

I need help choosing a product

"*" indicates required fields

*
MOBILE NUMBER *
PLEASE SELECT A PRODUCT

While we want to wind down, relax and go on holiday, as South Africans we need to be aware of how to stay safe. Whether you’re visiting a mall, going to the beach, or just being out and about in the summer weather, we have compiled some tips to help you stay safe.

At the mall:

While a day of shopping may seem like a relaxing outing, and a mall may be relatively secure, you still need to ensure that you are safe while going about your day. 

Don’t carry large amounts of cash on your person, instead use a card secured by a PIN for your shopping.
Try to avoid drawing large sums of cash at an ATM in one go.
Don’t wear your most expensive jewellery to the outing, or carry around unnecessary valuables.
Familiarise yourself with the mall layout, where to find the customer service desk and mall security.
For the ladies: make sure that your handbag can close properly and do not use open pockets to carry smaller items like your cellphone.
Always be vigilant of your surroundings, and be careful of people bumping into you or trying to distract you, especially in queues or in crowds.

At the beach:

Sun, sea and sand sound like bliss. But even though letting your hair down with the family sounds like a plan, you need to take care of your personal belongings while you’re at the beach.

Do not take too many items to the beach with you. Only take what you need, and what can keep an eye on at all times.
Do not take your entire wallet with you – only take small amounts of cash with you in case you want to buy some treats.
Do not take electronics such as tablets and phones with you. If you do take your phone, always keep it on your person, or leave it with a family member or friend.
Do not leave your items unattended. Make sure there is always someone around to keep an eye out.
Do not let your children wander off unattended. There should always be an adult within arm’s reach of any children.

While you’re out and about:

Summertime is the ideal time for taking strolls, jogging or just being outside enjoying a picnic with your family. You can stay safe and enjoy some time out.

Do not visit deserted areas or dark, isolated areas – instead, go where there are people around, and where it is well-lit.
Always keep an eye on your belongings – do not leave them unattended.
Only take what is necessary – electronics and handbags are easy to snatch from you.
If you’re jogging: do not jog while it is dark, instead jog in daylight where people are around. Only carry essentials with you on your jog, and try not to go jogging alone.

If you’re going out at night:

From sundowners to late dinners, summer is the ideal time to go out with family or friends. We have some tips to ensure you are safe when you’re out enjoying yourself.

When using a taxi service, always verify the vehicle and driver before getting into the car.
If you’re going clubbing, don’t leave your drink unattended, and never accept drinks from strangers.
Only take a small bag with you, containing the necessities. This way you can keep it with you, even if you’re dancing up a storm.
Never go out alone – always have your friends with you.
Plan your routes, and let your friends know how and when you will be arriving.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol. Rather have a designated driver in your group of friends who will ensure you get home safe or use a trusted taxi service to get back.

 

Look after yourself and your loved ones. Subscribe to AA Armed response, your personal armed security service from the AA. Find out more.

 
 

Tools & Calculators
What is your Emergency?
The Automobile Association of South Africa

For over 90 years, we’ve provided you with roadside rescue and security, so you know you can rely on the Automobile Association day and night.

We aim to empower you as a road user and add value to your life with our products and services.

AA Responds to Fuel Levy Increase: Calls for Transparency and Structural Reform

The Automobile Association (AA) notes the announcement by the Minister of Finance to increase the General Fuel Levy (GFL) by 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents per litre for diesel, effective 4 June 2025. The Minister described this adjustment—the first in three years—as the sole new tax proposal for the 2025/26 fiscal year, citing inflationary pressures as the reason for the hike. While acknowledging the government’s fiscal constraints, the AA warns that this increase will have...

LOSS OF R313 MILLION TRANSPORT GRANT A BLOW TO ROAD USERS, LOW-INCOME COMMUTERS, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE – AA

The Automobile Association (AA) is concerned about the City of Johannesburg's forfeiture of a R313 million public transport grant due to ongoing operational failures within the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This is a significant setback for the city's transport infrastructure and highlights the deepening structural and governance challenges in managing Johannesburg's public transport systems. Originally earmarked to support and expand the Rea Vaya network, the lost funding carries...

Collaborative Action Turns the Tide on Road Fatalities

Easter 2025 Road Safety Gains Welcomed - AA The Automobile Association (AA) welcomes the significant reduction in vehicle collisions and fatalities recorded over the Easter 2025 period. These positive outcomes underscore the effectiveness of early planning, consistent law enforcement, and strong partnerships in saving lives on South African roads. According to official statistics, road crashes decreased by 32.5% while fatalities declined by 45.6% compared to Easter 2024 – making the lowest...