How safe is your vehicle?

The launch of Safer Cars for Africa in partnership with the Automobile Association of SA (AA) was a significant moment for road safety in South Africa as it saw the crash testing and rating of vehicles sold locally. Eighteen vehicles have been tested, the results of which are available on the Global NCAP website (NCAP = new car assessment programme). The tests revealed several vehicles regarded as failures receiving zero-star ratings. Are you driving one?

Noteworthy news in numbers

30 000 km: distance that explorer and humanitarian Kingsley Holgate and his team will travel, from Cape Agulhas to Nordkapp in Norway, to raise funds to fight malaria.

6.36%: estimated percentage of VW Polo models 'in circulation' compared to other vehicles, which critically affected a study that claimed Polo drivers are 'the worst'.

30%: amount of their marketing budget that beer producers spend on alcohol-free beer as Millennials and Generation Z choose to drink mindfully and consume less alcohol.

Climate change affects property prices

After severe flooding devastated parts of Germany and Belgium last year, European banks have been told to assume that real-estate assets most exposed to flood risk could lose almost half their value. The European Central Bank is factoring in a 45% slump over a single year for property values in areas that are predicted to experience bad flooding.

Beware stormy weather

It's common knowledge that it is advisable to unplug electrical appliances such as laptops, computers, microwaves and TVs during stormy weather, especially if there is lightning close by. But there are other things that you should do - or not do - to stay safe. Are you fully aware of these precautionary measures?

A safer internet experience

The annual Safer Internet Day, celebrated on 8 February this year, aims to 'promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people, and to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively'. Technology experts hope that in time we will be able to combat the 'destructive forces in culture and technology' and create a safer and better world online. See what they predict...

Advanced robots

From Moley the robotic chef to Spot the 4-legged 'dog' that explores areas too dangerous for humans, these robots are the very latest manmade creations that are transforming our world.

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.