As we head into the festive season we are once again reminded that South Africa is the country with the most dangerous roads in the world.
Unfortunately, South Africa has been ranked as the world’s most dangerous country to drive in, according to a research study undertaken by international driver education company Zutobi.
Insurtech Pineapple has come out with an early Christmas present that is sure to make our festive seasons a lot safer – a free automated crash detection, in-app feature.
Chief Development officer Ndabenhle Ngulube explains how the product will work. “You simply download the app and activate crash detect. When you are in an accident we notify your nominated emergency contacts that they should check in with you. We also send them your location as well as a handy list of emergency numbers”
Unlike similar benefits offered by various insurers, Pineapple’s crash-detect does not require the installation of a device in your vehicle, and is not limited to only policyholders, but is free to anyone who has a smartphone.
This in-app approach means the service will work whether you are driving in your own car, someone else’s car, or a passenger in a vehicle, as long as you have your phone on you.
Chief Innovation Officer at Pineapple, Matthew Elan Smith, explains their rationale for creating the service “Our Auto Crash-detect feature aligns to our core mission of enhancing safety via community. We are hopeful that this free tool will help to promote road safety this festive season, by providing peace of mind for all Pineapple and their loved ones.”
When asked about the possibility of false alerts being sent to your family Ngulube replied “We combine your GPS data as well as other sensors in the phone to bring false alerts to a minimum, so it will not trigger if you drop your phone. We also give you 60 seconds to cancel the alert if you are not in an accident or do not require help”
Crash detect is activated on the Pineapple App, available via the Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery. You can read more about the feature here, and download the latest version of the Pineapple App to activate it for free
For further information on how to have a safe trip we recommend the following tips from the Western Cape government:
- Do not drink and drive. Read more on the blood/alcohol limit for motorists.
- Obey the speed limit.
- Do not use cell phones when driving. It is illegal and extremely dangerous.
- Ensure the vehicle is in roadworthy condition.
- Do simple vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections.
- Guard against distractions while driving.
- Set all devices, mirrors and controls before driving.
- Ensure all vehicle occupants wear a seat belt.
- Maintain a safe following distance. Obey the two-second rule.
- Allow yourself to take short breaks when driving long distances.
- Plan your journey well in advance.
Pineapple (FSP 48650), is underwritten by Old Mutual Insure a Licensed FSP and Non-Life Insurer. T&C’s apply.
