Reports that the Western Cape’s Name and Shame campaign for convicted drunk drivers may be halted due to administrative issues around supplying the information to the provincial transport department is a huge concern.
This is according to Helen Szemerei, CEO of IntegriSure, who says the initiative has reportedly assisted in reducing road traffic fatalities by as much as 30% in the Western Cape since 2009. “There are many initiatives that have been implemented in an attempt to reduce the volume of accidents and deaths on our roads; yet this one seems to have had some of the biggest success, so we are very concerned if it does not have the necessary support to continue.”
The Western Cape Justice Department today said that while it has no problem with the initiative in principle, it does not have the manpower to provide the specific detailed information needed. “It is important that all stakeholders work together when a campaign such as this does prove to be a success. It has been an uphill battle to deal with the issue of fatalities on our roads, so we would urge all players to assist in ensuring this campaign can continue,” she says.
“Alcohol is the most common cause of death and injury on our roads, with Transport Minister Ben Martins claiming earlier this year that a report by the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) actually showed that the combined effect of all road deaths cost the economy as much R306 billion with 60% of that being related to alcohol.”
Szemerei notes that insurance providers can also play a role in the success of such a campaign by sharing data with key role players.
“Motorists should be aware that most, if not all, insurance contracts do not pay out on a claim if it is found that the driver was under the influence of alcohol whilst driving. If insurers shared the data on policyholders, particularly in regard to convicted drunk drivers, it could serve as an even bigger deterrent as these people would find it much harder to obtain insurance in the future.
“Insurers may decline to offer cover at all times in the future, which means consumers could be putting themselves at risk of being either uninsurable or of having to pay a substantially higher excess and premium in the future,” she says.
Furthermore, with only a third of vehicles on the roads actually being insured, Szemerei says responsible drivers should realise that they stand to gain financially from any move to reduce the number of accidents on the roads.
“A reduction in the number of accidents on the roads will mean fewer claims being submitted and therefore more funds will be available in the collective insurance pool - which can be used to stabilise premiums and avoid unnecessary increases,” she explains.
However, Szemerei notes that with an average claims cost of R20 000 per bumper bashing, it’s imperative to have comprehensive insurance cover in place to protect oneself against financial loss and enjoy peace of mind.
“Drinking and driving has become a socially acceptable practice in South Africa and it will take a concerted effort from all parties to change this; however, if enough awareness is created, if initiatives to prevent this practice are supported, we can begin to educate motorists and change attitudes,” concludes Szemerei.
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