We often hear vehicle owners say that they will rather drive with caution and avoid getting into a crash than pay the monthly car insurance premium! This is a poor argument – especially if we consider the driving behaviour of motorists on the roads of South Africa. According to the Medical research council there are approximately 17,000 road deaths in a year in South Africa.
The Road Accident Fund has revealed that there have been 147,168 new claims registered with the RAF during the previous financial year. There are simply too many reckless drivers on our roads and too many road crashes even the law abiding motorist cannot avoid!
A friend to the Arrive Alive website shared a video clip taken from the dashboard camera of his son when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. [ We warn some of the language not for sensitive ears!]
It is alleged that the Guy in the BMW was drunk and the Fire Department also found drugs in his car. No Skid marks on the road is an indication that the driver didn’t even try to slow down!
It is of little consolation to a vehicle owner that he may have a claim for compensation after such a rear-end collision..
We would like to encourage all vehicle owners to read more about the impact of crime on our roads and why it is of such importance to drive defensively! Recklessness among drivers is also one of the reasons you should not start the car unless everyone is safely buckled in -no matter how short or how slow the drive!
Also view:
Crime as a Threat to Road Safety
Defensive Driving and Road Safety
The Road Accident Fund and Road Safety