Load shedding: your questions answered

This month, we're focusing on a specific question around load shedding which came directly from the public. In the coming months, we'll use more questions and case studies to illustrate the value of getting the proper advice around short-term insurance.

Question:

What happens if you're involved in a car accident as a result of malfunctioning traffic lights caused by load shedding?

Answer:

Eskom started implementing load shedding earlier this year and since then, we've received a number of questions around malfunctioning traffic lights, its effect on car accidents and insurance claims. To date Santam's claim statistics do not reflect an increase in car accidents that can directly attributed to load shedding but we have noted the defective traffic lights could result in traffic build-up from to time and that this can lead to bumper bashings. We know that traffic intersections generally become a high risk area due to defective traffic lights and visibility on the roads at night.

At Santam, we process car accidents that occur as a result of defective or inoperative traffic lights in much the same manner as we would any other vehicle insurance claim. When traffic lights malfunction, which they typically do during a period of load shedding, the rules of the road still apply. This means, that drivers should treat the traffic light like a four-way stop.

In the event of an accident, we will assess the available information (i.e. the details of the accident) and evaluate the claim following our rigorous claims process.

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