If there is anything that has stood out distinctly from this year’s Ingwenyama Cup competitions, it is the call to avoid distractions while on the road.
Drivers have a tendency to use their cellphones while driving. This dangerous habit has caused the country immense grief, with serious and even fatal accidents occurring as a result.
A motorist who leaves home on the phone often continues using it until they arrive at work. Others are so relaxed on the road that they drive at extremely low speeds while surfing the internet on their phones and scrolling through an avalanche of social media posts.
The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund has recorded such behaviour through numerous claims lodged by victims of this negligence.
It is also common for people in relationships to argue inside a moving vehicle, with one person driving while the other questions them about their callers. In such situations, focus is lost and the driver may ultimately lose control of the vehicle. Beyond the finals to be played this coming weekend, the call is for everyone to desist from using their cellphones while behind the wheel.
PEDESTRIANS CROSSING THE ROAD WHILE ON THE PHONE
Cellphone-related distractions are not limited to motorists; pedestrians are also often seen crossing busy streets while using their phones. Some even position themselves at dangerous bends in the road to take pictures, create content or engage in risky behaviour that exposes them to potential crashes. Messaging from the fund extends awareness to pedestrians, urging them not to use cellphones while in the road environment. Given the high rate of pedestrian fatalities, this call is not only prudent but also necessary to save lives.
Similarly, others have lost their lives or suffered severe injuries when drivers, distracted by their phones, lose control of their vehicles and crash into unsuspecting pedestrians. Road safety is largely determined by human behaviour, and drivers, in particular, must lead the way in demonstrating responsible conduct to save lives.
LODGING A CLAIM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Despite all precautions, traffic accidents still occur and people are injured. In such cases, the Fund insists that victims of negligent driving should lodge their claims as soon as possible. While the prescription period is two years, it is important to come forward early. Doing so supports timely treatment and rehabilitation for the injured. Injuries can often be better managed if addressed promptly and the full extent of the damage can be properly assessed at an early stage.
In the past, many people only filed claims close to the expiry of the prescribed period, by which time their injuries had worsened or become permanent. Some suffered disabilities that could have been avoided with earlier medical attention. It is therefore essential to report every road crash to the police and seek medical care immediately, as proper records play a crucial role in establishing a claim.
TAKE AWAYS
- It’s a final – Igwenyama Cup and Culture Competitions.
- Pack all your safety components to the arena.
- You are best safe when you drive without using your cellphone.
- Kill your speed or your passion for sports shall be obliterated once you are injured in traffic.
- Leave early so you can get to the pitch safely and in good time.
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