Holidays are here again! Many families will be taking the well-deserved break.
Unfortunately, road tripping during the Easter period also means more cars on the road and a higher rate of accidents. Over the last five years, the average number of road deaths during this period is about 230 (that’s nearly three accidents every hour), and in 2017 road deaths totalled 235.
This number can be exacerbated when people who are in severe car accidents do not get the necessary medical attention in time. In fact, every one minute reduced in the accident response time can make a 6% difference in the number of lives that can be saved. If emergency services can reach an accident scene quicker, the chances of fatal accidents can be reduced, which is why we are seeing the rise in popularity of devices being installed in cars to detect accidents and automatically call emergency services.
Casey Rousseau, Marketing Manager of 1st for Women Insurance says, “In South Africa, which is listed as one of the most dangerous countries in which to drive, automatic accident detection could save a lot more lives.”
The Guardian Angel on Call benefit, (included in the 1st for Women comprehensive car insurance policy) which operates from the 1st for Women App, seeks to do just this, not only for the driver but for their loved ones too. The app can be shared with up to five of the policy holder’s family or loved ones. In addition to being a life-saving accident detector, it also sends personal medical information, such as medical conditions and allergies, saved on the app by the user, to enable Emergency Medical Services to offer more effective treatment.
“Guardian Angel on Call uses smart drive-detection technology to automatically switch on when the motorist starts driving. Not only can it detect accidents, but it can also gauge the accidents’ severity based on an intricate and unique algorithm. In a severe accident, the 1st for Women call centre will be automatically notified and alert medical responders immediately,” says Rousseau.
While the Guardian Angel on Call benefit is there to help you if you are in a severe accident, what can the driver do to prepare both their car and their passengers while waiting for the emergency services to arrive, especially if you as the driver is left badly injured or unconscious:
Before setting off:
- Run an emergency drill with your family before going on holiday should you be in a car accident and ensure your children know what to do.
- Ensure you and your children’s cellphones are fully charged and both emergency numbers and other family numbers are saved to speed dial.
- Pack basic supplies in your car such as water, emergency blankets, a first aid kit, a fully charged torch and your emergency triangle.
- Make sure you have stowed your insurance details in several places in your car and the entire family knows where to find this.
If an accident occurs:
- You or your family must turn off the car’s ignition, turn on the car’s hazard lights and place the emergency triangle behind the car if you are able.
- Move away from the accident scene to be clear of oncoming traffic.
- Ensure you and your family wait for the medical services and police services to arrive and ensure your children know how to correctly identify them by their IDs and types of vehicles.