Recently, despite warnings from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) about impending snowfall, many motorists found themselves stranded on national highways.
South Africans must take weather warnings seriously, consult weather services before traveling, and maintain their vehicles to better protect against extreme weather.
Funeka Ngewu, head of claims and procurement at Momentum Insure, and Chief Actuary Rudolf Britz discuss why some motorists may overlook safety advisories.
“As a nation, we tend to be extremely cultural, and events like weddings and funerals are viewed as priorities that cannot be missed, regardless of the weather. People often don’t want to miss these significant occasions or the holidays they’ve paid for,” Ngewu noted.
Britz added that severe weather events, such as hailstorms and snow, are infrequent, leading some consumers to overestimate their driving abilities under such conditions. “As demonstrated by the recent snowfall that closed the N3, we are unfortunately not equipped to handle the level of catastrophe that accompanies these events. Given South Africa’s vulnerability to severe weather, including thunderstorms, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires, we urge the public to prioritize their safety by heeding weather warnings,” Ngewu emphasised.
While snow is not unheard of in South Africa, many drivers lack the experience necessary to navigate treacherous conditions safely, which can lead to significant property damage.
Ignoring SAWS warnings can jeopardize insurance claims. Britz stressed the importance of educating clients and the public about the risks associated with disregarding these alerts. “It is essential that weather warnings are communicated not just through TV and radio, but also via platforms like WhatsApp and SMS.”
Three reasons to heed weather warnings:
Safety First: Continuing to travel in extreme weather compromises your safety and that of your family and others.
Protect Your Assets: By paying attention to warnings, you safeguard your belongings and minimize potential financial losses.
Lack of Experience: South Africans generally lack the experience and equipment needed to navigate snowfall safely and responsibly.
PERSONAL FINANCE
