South Africa has the third highest road death toll in the world. An estimated 40 people die daily on South African roads. The amendments to the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, effective 1 May 2015, means buckling up is now compulsory for children under the age of 3 years.
“Failure to wear a seatbelt is a major risk factor for injury and deaths on the road,” says Peter Olyott, CEO of Indwe Risk Services. When a vehicle crashes, a person without a seatbelt will continue to move forward at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling before the collision and will be catapulted into the front of the vehicle. “One of the most effective ways to protect passengers from injury is the use of seatbelts,” Olyott explains.
Crash stats
According to Arrive Alive, these are some of the most recent stats with regards to seatbelt use and accidents in South Africa.
• SA has about 900 000 vehicle collisions every year
• Less than 54% of front-seat occupants wear seat belts in SA
• Less than 8% of rear-seat occupants wear seat belts in SA
• Seatbelts reduce the risk of death by 40–50% for drivers and 25% for passengers in rear seats.
• 75% of all people ejected from a vehicle die as a result. Seatbelts can prevent ejections. 44% of unrestrained vehicle occupants are ejected from the vehicle, whereas only 5% of restrained occupants are ejected.
“Seat belts are designed not only to keep you from being thrown from the car, but also to absorb the impact of a crash where your body can withstand it best,” Olyott explains. Seat belts also stretch slightly so your body doesn’t stop as abruptly, and they prevent you from colliding with a part of the car or another person.
In a crash where a person becomes either a quadriplegic or paraplegic, the direct hospitalisation and rehabilitation costs in the first few months can easily exceed R1 million. That same person will require further expenses every year just to maintain a semblance of quality of life. Every day around 22 people sustain serious injuries in crashes that leave them permanently disabled.
“South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF) was established in order to compensate people injured in road accidents as well as affected dependents. Claiming from the RAF is important should a road accident affect you, however, this can be a complex and time-consuming process,” says Olyott. “There are insurance companies which can help you get the assistance and compensation you’re entitled to should a road accident affect you.” Personal Accident Insurance is one option that not only gives peace of mind when driving, but may also ensure that a team of medical experts and experienced emergency response teams provide the best treatment at available private hospitals.
Indwe Risk Services offers a hassle-free, comprehensive Road Accident Fund claims service called RoadCover. If you have been personally injured (and are not the driver that caused the accident), or if you are a dependent of the deceased victim, you can benefit from RoadCover services. RoadCover specialists will manage your RAF claims process from start to finish, saving you the costs and hassle normally associated with this process.
Speak to us today for more information on 0860 13 13 14