Publications
Partners
Ahh...potholes!
Much like load shedding, they have unfortunately become synonymous with our rainbow nation, becoming a considerable menace whether you are navigating the streets in your car or relying on public transport. Government's failure in this regard is an inconvenience that touches everyone in one way or the other.
A report from the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) reveals a staggering 67% increase in pothole numbers over the past five years, reaching about 25 million.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency alone reported 233 claims during the third quarter of last year, with payouts soaring to a substantial R24 863 137. Fast forward to February this year, and more than 12 000 potholes or claims were reported across the city.
The agency says the impact of pothole damage costs the country R500 million monthly!
In response to this chaos, various initiatives including Sanral’s Vala Zonke and Gauteng’s PotholeFix app, aimed at tackling the issue head-on, have emerged.
READ: Mamabolo’s tech-induced plan to ‘renew’ Gauteng’s road infrastructure
Youlon Naidoo, executive head of claims and procurement at MiWay Insurance, warns that due to the deterioration of the national road infrastructure, the insurer anticipates a surge in pothole-related claims. Drivers are strongly advised to take extra precautions.
Prepping for the road ahead
Naidoo encourages all vehicle owners to conduct vital safety checks before embarking on their journeys. Ensure that your spare wheel is in good condition and inflated according to the guidelines in your vehicle handbook. Different-sized spare wheels may require varying inflation pressure for optimal operation.
When checking the spare wheel pressure, also inspect for any damage or holes. Adhering to South Africa’s roadworthy standards, all tyres, including the spare, should maintain a tread depth of at least 1.6mm.
READ: Government and industry collaborate for safer festive season roads
Remember, spare wheels are for emergencies and drivers should not exceed 80km/h when using them. Naidoo cautions those with run-flats, emphasising that these tyres have limits.
Designed to operate under normal conditions, the run-flats can only go up to 80km at a maximum safe speed of 80km/hour in the event of a puncture.
Drivers encountering a pothole-induced punctures should head to the nearest service station for assistance and tyre replacement.
When it goes ka-boom
If your posterior clench fails and you find yourself in a pothole incident resulting in vehicle damage, Naidoo recommends documenting the damage thoroughly.
From a safe distance, inspect tyres, rims and the car's undercarriage for cracks or tears. Take wide-angle and close-up photos of the damage and the pothole if possible. Having this evidence on hand when claiming with an insurer could expedite the claims process efficiently.
You will need to get the CLAIM FOR PUBLIC LIABILITY formm
- Public liability claim form: This is a form that needs to be filled out by anyone who wants to claim for damages or injuries caused by the Johannesburg Roads Agency.
- Required documents: The form lists the documents that need to be attached to the claim form, depending on the type of claim (vehicle damage, property damage, or personal injury).
- Claimant’s details: The form asks for the personal and contact details of the claimant and whether they are the owner of the vehicle or property damaged.
- Incident details: The form asks for the date, time, place, cause and sketch of the incident, as well as the weather conditions, speed and frequency of travel on the road where the incident occurred.
- Witness and police report: The form asks for the details of any witness and whether the incident was reported to the police, and if so, the case number and station name.
- Vehicle/Property/Personal Injuries: The form asks for the details of the vehicle or property damaged, or the person injured, and the claimed amount and list of items being claimed for.
- Insurance: The form asks whether the vehicle or property is insured, and if so, the details of the insurance company and whether a claim has been submitted to them.
- Declaration: The form requires the claimant to sign and date the form, and declares that the statements are true and correct. The form also states that the receipt of the claim is done on a without prejudice basis and does not imply acceptance or liability.
So, buckle up, be vigilant and navigate those pothole-laden roads with caution!
