In the past, motorists bought any car, new or old, without giving car safety even a thought. This was because car safety wasn’t even discussed or an issue at that time. But, after the recent car crash test results were released in South Africa, car safety consciousness may become more and more entrenched with motorists over time. Car buyers’ opinions should be impacted the more car safety is publicised.
DISCLAIMER
Car insurance is a specialised subject, and thus this article should only be considered as general information. It is thus advisable to consult a certified, financial advisor for professional advice on any insurance product you may wish to purchase.
HOW MANY PROSPECTIVE CAR BUYERS ARE INFLUENCED BY CAR CRASH TESTS?
According to a recent AA survey of more than 650 people, crash test results of individual car makes will impact almost three-quarters of prospective car buyers. The survey also indicated that cars’ safety ratings will affect 81% of prospective buyers. The survey or poll was undertaken after the first independent crash test assessment, called ‘#SaferCarsforAfrica,’ was launched by both Global NCAP and the AA. ‘NCAP’ stands for ‘New Car Assessment Programme.’
PROSPECTIVE CAR BUYERS WANT MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Ninety-one percent of surveyed participants stated that minimum safety equipment such as ABS, ESC and airbags should be standard on all new cars sold in South Africa, and at little extra cost.
WHAT IS THE NEW GLOBAL TREND?
The AA noted how the outcome of the survey results revealed a global trend of buyers wanting safer cars. Almost 90% of participants also indicated that the display of safety ratings on new cars should be compulsory. The survey results indicate that South African buyers are becoming more safety-conscious.
CAR MANUFACTURERS NEED TO TAKE NOTE
It would pay for car manufacturers to heed the call by motorists for safer vehicles to be manufactured in South Africa. Manufacturers of those cars not tested according to NCAP may have sales problems in future.
SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORISTS NEED TO BE MADE MORE AWARE OF CAR SAFETY RATINGS
The independent crash test assessment, called ‘#SaferCarsforAfrica, was conducted in South Africa for the first time. As a result, motorists are being made pertinently aware of NCAP car safety ratings. However, despite the above-mentioned survey results, car safety awareness may, currently, not be so wide-spread amongst all motorists. Car safety consciousness doesn’t happen overnight, but should begin to take root after considerable publicity has occurred. That doesn’t mean to say that everyone in the end will buy NCAP-rated cars. There will always be those who can either only afford a low-priced car that is not NCAP-rated, or who are just not interested in car safety per se.
DO CARS WITH NCAP RATINGS HAVE AN ADVANTAGE OVER THOSE THAT DON’T?
Yes and no – it’s all about how safety conscious the motoring public is becoming over time. For instance, as car safety consciousness becomes more and more entrenched, so car manufacturers and dealerships may well begin to capitalise on the safety ratings of their cars.
MOTORISTS SAY CAR SAFETY SHOULD BE FIRST
According to the AA, motorists are more interested in car safety than fancy gadgets such as Bluetooth. “Will the occupants survive if the car crashes?” is what they are asking.
HOW CAN CAR SAFETY BE ENFORCED IN SOUTH AFRICA?
The AA emphasised it is of paramount importance for Government legislation to be in place to enforce minimum car safety standards. In addition, legislation must dictate that safety ratings be displayed when cars are being sold, thus helping customers make the right decision.
DANGEROUS DRIVING REQUIRES SAFER CARS IN SOUTH AFRICA
With only a small percentage of South Africa’s motorists insured, and the high death rate on our roads, it is no wonder that motorists will start to consider safer cars as an absolute necessity.
AA URGES MOTORISTS TO DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING CARS
The AA stressed how important it is for motorists to find out all about the safety ratings of cars before they decide to buy.
WHY NOT BUY AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE WITH PMD?
When you’ve bought your new NCAP-rated car, you need to insure it. PMD offers you affordable car insurance using PMD’s Online Insurance Purchase Platform. The online process is quick and easy and can be done when and where you like. You do not have to call anyone, except when you need help. A call-back facility is made available for this reason. Audio and video materials are also available for additional information.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.