The latest Road Traffic Management Corporation annual report has revealed that more than 4 500 road fatalities were reported on South African roads from April 2014 to April 2015.
In light of these alarming statistics, it is vital for all South African motorists to practice safe driving, familiarise themselves with proper accident protocol and ensure that their motor vehicle insurance cover is up-to-date ahead of the upcoming festive season.
This is according to Nazeer Hoosen, Executive Director of PPS Short-Term Insurance, who says that every year the roads become incredibly congested during the festive season, significantly increasing the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents.
“Before embarking on a long-distance journey, the vehicle owner should make sure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition by performing some simple safety checks or by having the car properly serviced. Some examples of safety checks include: checking that the tyre tread is at its legal 2mm tread depth and that the tyre pressures are correct for the vehicle, both front and back; inspecting the brake fluid, oil and water levels; ensuring that all lights (front and rear) are in working order; and making sure the driver fully understands all the warning lights in the vehicle.”
He explains that not only do these safety checks ensure the safety of all passengers, they also protect against a possible insurance claim repudiation which could occur if the cause of an accident is found to be as a result of driving an un-roadworthy vehicle.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the motor vehicle must be stopped immediately and the driver, or passengers, should check for injuries and fatalities, as well as damage to any third party, says Hoosen. “After establishing the well-being of those involved, it is important to call the police and other emergency services to inform them that an accident has occurred. Until the police arrive it is crucial that any vehicles involved in the accident are not moved and, if possible, that anyone with injuries is also not moved.”
During this time it is also important to stay calm and obtain as many details as possible from the other party while examining the extent of the damage, he says. “These details include the motor vehicle manufacturer, the model and registration of the vehicle as well as the details about the driver or owner of the vehicle, such as their identity number, telephone numbers, postal address, email address, employer and insurance company details.”
He advises consumers to take photos of the accident scene as evidence for insurance claims before the car is towed away from the accident scene. The photos should focus particularly on the damaged vehicles and property.
It is essential to report the accident to the nearest police station and provide the insurance provider with full details of the accident, including the Accident Report number obtained from the police, says Hoosen. “Keep emergency numbers on hand at all times, as some insurance providers offer 24/7/365 Roadside and Home Assistance as a benefit.”
If consumers are planning to use their vehicle to travel outside the country for their holiday, it is crucial to inform their insurance company beforehand, states Hoosen. Some insurers do not provide cover for vehicles when travelling outside South African borders. It is therefore advisable to speak to the insurance provider beforehand to establish whether the vehicle would be covered.
“Even though it is not always possible to prevent an accident occurring, consumers can help to limit the possible consequences by taking the necessary precautions to make sure the vehicle is roadworthy, and ensuring that its insurance cover is up-to-date before embarking on the journey. It is also critical to be aware of the common sense steps to follow if an accident does occur” concludes Hoosen.