Car of the year “Motor Enthusiast” public competition encourages motorists to stay safe on SA roads

Lizo Mnguni, spokesperson for Old Mutual Insure

Old Mutual Insure has launched the exciting new ‘Motor Enthusiast’ public competition as part of the Car of the Year (COTY) competition, giving motor enthusiasts across the country the opportunity to win one of five defensive driving vouchers, with the training offered by leading driver training organisation, MasterDrive.

All hopeful entrants have to do is vote for their favourite Old Mutual Insure SA Car of the Year (COTY) competition finalist to stand a chance to win one of the vouchers, by voting on the competition microsite, www.ominsurecoty.co.za, before midnight on Monday, 22 May 2023. The competition is open to South African residents who are 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Winners will be selected through a random draw from entries after the competition has closed. The five lucky winners will be announced at the SA Car of The Year winner announcement gala event on 1 June 2023. 

As one of the leading non-life insurers in South Africa, Old Mutual Insure plays a pivotal role in educating South Africans on road safety in South Africa and the sponsorship of Car of the Year 2023 provides a relevant platform to be able to do this. 

According to reports, there are more than 800 000 road accidents in South Africa every year, translating to roughly 2 200 crashes on our country’s roads daily. The World Health Organisation finds that approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5 to 29 years. In addition, an estimated 50-60% of fatalities on the road are pedestrians, who become vulnerable targets for drivers who are not paying attention. 

One of the biggest contributors to road accidents and fatalities is human behaviour, with drunk driving, speeding, the use of cell phones, and other bad behaviours accounting for most of the carnage on South Africa’s roads. Human behaviour is said to contribute anywhere between 85% and 95% of crashes and fatalities. “Most of the accidents on the road can be avoided if we are more aware of our behaviour,” says Lizo Mnguni, spokesperson for Old Mutual Insure. “A few small changes can make all the difference when it comes to preventing accidents and injuries.” 

“We believe that improved driver behaviour can be contagious. If one person lets someone into the lane in front of them while on a busy road, then that may spur the next driver to do something similar. If one person slows down and follows at a safe distance, then that may encourage more users to do the same. A chain reaction of good habits creates safer roads for us all,” says Mnguni. 

Don’t miss your chance to win one of five MasterDrive defensive driving vouchers by voting for your favourite Old Mutual Insure “Motor Enthusiast” Car of the Year vehicle on www.ominsurecoty.co.za  between now and midnight on Monday, 22 May 2023.

For more information about the competition, visit www.ominsurecoty.co.za.