When digital media kills

Image Credit: Dolighan Cartoons.

South Africa has one of the highest road accident rates in the world, with around 25% of accidents caused by cellphone use while driving, even though regulation 308A of the South African National Road Traffic Act states that no driver may use a hand-held communication device while driving, (even while stationary). And it appears as if it is the country’s youth that is most to blame, with drivers between the ages of 18 – 24 shown to be twice as likely to be involved in a vehicle accident than those in the 25 – 49 age group. The reason why? Because younger drivers are more likely to be texting or using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of a car. Research shows that it takes about four seconds to read a text, and another five seconds to type a reply. This means that for nine seconds, your eyes are off the road. Really, is it worth it?

Scam alert - don't pay the SAPS

You would probably be delighted to receive a telephone call to say that your missing property – for example, your vehicle or livestock – has been found by the police. But imagine being told that a specified amount of money is required to be paid for the property to be safely returned to you. It might happen, but this is just another scam. A police spokesperson has said, “This is a scam to extort money…Should they receive such a message, they are to immediately contact the investigating officer or nearest police station regarding the case. NO PAYMENTS OR DEPOSITS should be made for the recovery of property.”

Hot news about the Safire Baynesfield Classic MTB & Trail

With just a few weeks until the Safire Baynesfield Classic MTB & Trail on Sunday 15 September 2019, we can reveal some hot event news! Firstly, we have added a gritty, hilly, punishing 15km trail run to the 5km and 10km options. While not part of the ROAG series (although the 5km and 10km routes are), this route will thrill the hard-core runners! More good news is that a new stretch of single track has been added to the 20km MTB route, leading off about half way up the legendary Firetower Hill. Finally, to promote rider and runner safety, Safire is partnering with My SOS, a mobile app that offers athletes a simple, easy-to-use panic button on their cellphone. This invaluable system will allow for the monitoring of any emergency calls on the day, and sends a pin location to improve finding the caller/rider quickly and speed up response times. There will be a help desk at registration to assist those who haven’t downloaded the app by the time they arrive at Baynesfield. Keen to join us for a great day of family fun?

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Using technology to combat crime

License plate recognition systems or LPR are increasingly being used across the world to help combat crime. This technology enables computer systems to automatically ‘read’ the registration plate of vehicles from digital pictures. It has been praised by the Insurance Crime Bureau of South Africa, and as an example of what can be achieved, we had a look at how it is being successfully used in the G911 Umvoti community project. To date, LPR has resulted in:

19 vehicles being impounded for a wide range of crimes, mostly stolen vehicles.
More than 30 arrests having been made.
It was instrumental in the solving of a hijacking case.
It was instrumental in solving two murder cases, one of them a local policeman.
A drug transporter's vehicle was identified and a substantial amount (30kg) of drugs was found.
It was instrumental in preventing a possible major crime in Kranskop, when two vehicles were impounded and another found burnt out. Five arrests were made, and AK 47s and hand guns were found and will be used as evidence.

Cyber impersonation scam

Every day we transfer and receive funds using the Internet and from the comfort of our own homes. But where money is moving, criminals are hot on the scent. Take a look at this short but insightful Carte Blanche feature to make sure that you don’t fall prey to these “masters of deception”.

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That's Life

For a full display of spandex-clad athletes, join us at this year’s Safire Baynesfield Classic next month…

Economic snippets

R2.2 billion – The annual loss attributed to cyber-crime each year in South Africa, with an estimated 10 000 malware attack attempts every single day.

20 – Number of Imana Wild Ride events, resulting in more than 40 new community classrooms. Safire is a proud sponsor and contributor to WREC (Wild Ride Education Company).

6 – Number of countries that give women equal legal work rights to men, according to the World Bank’s recent Women, Business and the Law report.

The Insurer newsletter and the content of any article published herein, should not be construed as forming part of any insurance contract or policy nor as constituting any form of advice. It is aimed at providing an informal and informative read to the readers thereof. Whilst every effort is taken to attempt to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information contained herein, Safire Insurance Company Limited does not give any assurance regarding such accuracy or correctness and accordingly does not accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential, arising from any reliance placed in the information contained herein.