20th November 2022 is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, endorsed by the World Health Organisation. It is a day to commemorate those who have died on the world’s roads, advocate for better support for victims and bereaved families and promote action to save lives. How safe are you on Asia’s roads?
Road safety statistics in Asia
Certain countries in the Asia Pacific region have a poor record when it comes to road safety.
In Cambodia, an average of 5.4 people die every day on the roads, making road traffic accidents the sixth most common cause of death in the country.
As well as the heavy human cost, accidents on the road represent a huge economic burden for Cambodia. The United Nations estimated the cost at $466.8million in 2019, which represents 1.7% of GDP.
In Vietnam the roads are even more deadly, although statistics suggest road accidents and deaths are reducing. The country recorded around 11,500 traffic accidents nationwide in 2021, causing nearly 5,800 deaths, with more than 8,000 people injured. That’s over 15 deaths per day.
Driving safely in Asia
All drivers have a responsibility to themselves and other road users to take measures to reduce the risk of car accidents. Unfortunately, you can’t always influence what other drivers do, but you can ensure that you take all measures necessary that are within your control.
Here are some steps you can take to increase road safety:
- Always wear a seatbelt, and make sure passengers belt up too
- Never use a mobile phone to call or text while driving
- Never eat or drink at the wheel
- Limit the number of passengers in your car
- Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs
- Keep to the speed limit
- No tailgating
- Park with care, looking out for pedestrians, other road users and opening doors
- Ensure your car is serviced regularly
- Keep tyre pressure at the correct levels
- Never assume anything from other road users
- Keep your wits about you at all times
You may be the world’s most careful driver, but you are still at risk on the roads. Which is why it is essential to have insurance in place to protect yourself and other road users in the case of an accident. While third-party insurance usually fulfils legal requirements for minimum required coverage, there are many reasons to go for a higher level of coverage.
The advantages of fully comprehensive motor insurance over third-party insurance
1. Pay now, save later
While third-party insurance covers material, personal, and economical damages the policyholder may cause to a third party, it does not protect against non-collision events including vandalism, theft, fire, flood etc, not to mention damage to the driver’s own vehicle if they are at fault in an accident.
While premiums are higher, the difference may not be as much as you think between the two types of motor insurance policy, and paying more now could save you a lot of money down the line.
2. Maximum protection for you and your family
Unfortunately, another driver’s mistake can sometimes become your problem, especially if an uninsured or underinsured driver is at fault.
In the event of an accident, it is reassuring to know that you have the right motor insurance coverage to pay for whatever unforeseen costs may occur for you or a member of your family. Fully comprehensive motor insurance means complete peace of mind.
3. Save time and hassle
Great vehicle insurance with a trusted provider takes away a lot of the time-consuming fallout from a car accident including breakdown assistance, repairs and replacements. A good insurer and/or insurance agent will handle the process if you need to make a claim, making life a lot simpler for you.
It’s clear that fully comprehensive motor insurance is the gold standard, ensuring that whatever happens on the road, you and your passengers are fully protected. If you can afford it, we recommend that you take it.
Infinity provides a full range of motor insurance policies from third-party to fully comprehensive cover in Cambodia and Vietnam. Whether your choice is driven by cost or by level of cover, we compare the market to find the policy that best suits your needs.
Expatriates in Cambodia and Vietnam can contact us for a motor insurance quote by clicking on the links above.
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