03 Sep 2019

The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund general manager - customer services, Ms Mpule Ditirwa says escalation of claims by road accidents victims has had adverse impact on the company’s financial sustainability.

Ms Ditirwa said this during road safety campaign overview in Serowe recently and explained that the MVA financial expenditure for the past four years  stood at P148.9 million,  P239.5 million, P142.5 million  and  P176.6 million in 2015, 2016,  2017  and 2018 respectively. 

She noted that MVA  compensated road accidents victims in the forms of medical care and rehabilitation, loss of income, funeral expenses and loss of support. 

“This is a clear indication that road traffic accidents are a serious economic challenge. Over and above costs, there is a clear devastating impact on public health and social wellbeing of our people,’’ she said.

She further stated that there were people who still needed medical attention because of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents.

‘’We have a total of 10 844 claimants who still need medical attention. Out of this number, 3 717 suffered severe injuries, 153 suffered serious injuries and were admitted in Intensive Care Units, 550 suffered head injuries, 2 952 suffered poly trauma/multiple fractures and other organ injuries while 62 are without their limbs or were amputated.

She explained that in 2018 MVA Fund undertook Road Risk Awareness Survey as well as Road User Compliance Observational Study.

Ms Ditirwa said the Risk Awareness Survey sought to engage all road user types to understand their perception and appreciation of various issues related road safety. 

She said use of mobile phones while driving, failure to comply with   road signs, traffic lights and pedestrian compliance to safety rules contributed to many road accidents.

The MVA Fund has a statutory mandate to promote road safety and accident prevention and provide compensation to victims of car crashes. ends