This blog is aimed specifically to South African vehicle owners. Only about 30% of vehicles on South Africa roads are insured – and this despite all the unique threats to vehicle damage and vehicle loss!
These threats have been described on several blog posts. They include the risks from vehicle crashes, vehicle theft, hijacking, smash-and grab damage etc. Last week it was revealed that more than 100 stolen vehicles are taken across the border to Mozambique every week!
The whole of South Africa is eagerly anticipating the FIFA Football World Cup – and it is important that we also pause and focus on the unique threats presented by this event to vehicle owners. On the Arrive Alive website we have made available information on the topic “Road Safety during the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa”. This is confirmation that there are special concerns and a need for safety awareness by all road users.
Why is the Football World Cup important for Car Insurance in South Africa?
It is anticipated that 300,000 foreign football enthusiasts will visit South Africa during the hosting of the World Cup. At no previous time have there ever been so many foreigners in South Africa at the same time.
These people will travel vast distances between the various stadiums and share the roads with South African vehicle owners. Even though many will travel by bus – there will also be thousands travelling in rental cars.
South African drivers need to expect the following:
- Many foreign drivers not well acquainted with South African driving conditions.
- Drivers who might not be familiar with driving on the left side of the road.
- Drivers driving rental cars they are not familiar with.
- Drivers distracted by maps and other devices as they search for their way.
- Heavily congested roads.
- Many intoxicated road users celebrating football success – both drivers and pedestrians.
These might be a few of the factors that could lead to increased risk of an accident. South African vehicle owners need to ask themselves the following questions:
- What will be the consequences be of an accident involving a vehicle driven by a foreign football supporter?
- If not insured and the other driver is at fault – how much effort will it take to claim from the car rental agency or the foreign visitor?
- Is it not best to protect yourself against these risks?
Advice to vehicle owners
We would like to urge all vehicle owners to pause for a while and consider the impact of the World Cup. Do not be blinded only by your passion and enthusiasm – but think safety as well!
Check your car insurance before the World Cup and may you not only remember “I was there!!” – but also “I had by car protected and insured!!”
Also view: “Road Safety during the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa”