Insurance Industry Highlights Tragic Teen Road Deaths

August 6 - As South Africa reels from another weekend of carnage on its roads because of senseless accidents, the insurance industry has come out with frightening statistics that show just how many teen road deaths have occurred this year.

According to the industry, 45 percent of all fatalities on South African roads between 11 at night and six in the morning were teens. Other statistics show that teenagers are ten times more likely to have an accident at night than during the day, while that number rises to fourteen times over weekends.

Ways to deal with the issue of teen road deaths are now being examined by road safety experts. Some are suggesting that the national speed limit be dropped from 120 km/h to 110 km/h, while others are calling for a change in the law so that drunk drivers who cause 'accidental deaths' should be charged with murder.

And how do insurance companies treat younger drivers?

According to the Director of Auto and General Insurance, Angelo Hagiyannes, "Until you have five years or more driving experience under your belt, most insurers will regard you as a high risk."

"Premiums are calculated according to a sliding scale," he explained. "Therefore, an 18 year old driver will pay a higher premium and additional excess charges. The premium loading reduces for each year that follows."

"Young people will always pay more than older drivers," said Trevor Devitt of Outsurance. Devitt said that premiums at his company were determined by the young driver's lifestyle and road experience.

The Deputy Executive Officer of the South African Insurance Association, Refilwe Moletsane said: "Some members provide cover and may include as one of the policy conditions that there will be an additional excess payable if the vehicle was driven by a driver of a certain age."