Old Mutual Insure has launched a new public competition, Motor Enthusiast, to encourage South African motorists to drive safely. The competition, which is part of the Car of the Year (COTY) competition, gives motor enthusiasts the chance to win one of five defensive driving vouchers. MasterDrive, a leading driver training organisation, is providing the training. To enter, simply visit the competition microsite, www.ominsurecoty.co.za, and vote for their favourite Old Mutual Insure SA Car of the Year finalist before midnight on Monday, May 22, 2023. The competition is open to South African residents who are 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s licence. Winners will be chosen at random from all entries after the competition closes, and they will be announced at the SA Car of the Year winner announcement gala event on June 1, 2023.
As one of South Africa’s leading non-life insurers, Old Mutual Insure is committed to educating South Africans about road safety and sponsoring the Car of the Year 2023 provides an excellent platform for this. Road accidents are a major problem in South Africa, with over 800,000 accidents reported each year, equating to approximately 2,200 crashes on the country’s roads every day. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5 to 29 years. Furthermore, pedestrians are estimated to account for 50-60% of road fatalities, making them vulnerable targets for distracted drivers.
Human behaviour is one of the most significant contributors to road accidents and fatalities, with drunk driving, speeding, cell phone use, and other bad behaviours accounting for the majority of the carnage on South Africa’s roads. Human behaviour is said to be responsible for anywhere between 85% and 95% of crashes and fatalities. “Most road accidents can be avoided if we are more conscious of our actions,” says Lizo Mnguni, spokesperson for Old Mutual Insure. “When it comes to preventing accidents and injuries, a few small changes can make all the difference.”
Old Mutual Insurance believes that better driving habits can spread. For example, allowing another driver to merge into their lane on a busy road may encourage other drivers to do the same. Similarly, if one driver slows down and maintains a safe distance, other drivers may follow suit. A chain reaction of good habits leads to safer roads for everyone.
Finally, Old Mutual Insurer’s Motor Enthusiast Competition is an innovative initiative aimed at encouraging safer driving practices in South Africa. With the number of road accidents and fatalities in the country on the rise, initiatives like this one are critical in raising awareness and educating motorists about the importance of road safety. Motorists can help prevent accidents and injuries by making a few small changes to their behaviour and contribute to making South Africa’s roads safer for all.
