Pamela Ramagaga | Why localised flooding is SA's hidden road safety crisis

October, officially recognised as Transport Month in South Africa, invites us to pause and reflect on the state of our roads, our driving habits, and the safety of those who use them. Yet, this reflection cannot be confined to a single month. Road safety is not a seasonal concern - it demands continuous awareness, responsible behaviour, and collective accountability every day of the year.

As climate patterns shift, South Africa faces a growing and often underestimated threat: localised flooding. While major flood events make headlines for their devastation, smaller but more frequent incidents quietly endanger lives, damage infrastructure, and strain the insurance sector. Slick roads, obscured potholes, and sudden water build-up turn ordinary routes into high-risk zones, especially during the rainy season. These realities remind us that staying safe on the roads requires more than compliance during October - it calls for a lasting culture of caution, preparedness, and respect for the unpredictable conditions that now define our driving environment.

The South African Insurance Association's Insurance Data System (IDS) reveals a concerning picture. Since 2020, non-life insurers have processed at least 7,000 weather-related motor claims each year, with total payouts exceeding R1.6 billion between 2020 and 2024. The peak was in 2021, with over 14,000 claims linked to extreme weather. This data shows the increasing financial pressure on insurers and the rising vulnerability of South African motorists.

Why Localised Flooding is So Dangerous

Unlike prolonged flooding, which develops over days or weeks, localised flooding occurs rapidly - often referred to as "flash floods" - caused by sudden downpours that overwhelm drainage systems or low-lying roads. The risks increase within minutes.

• Slippery surfaces and hydroplaning diminish control and visibility.
• Hidden road damage and debris transform familiar routes into hazards.
• Vehicle failure in shallow water can leave drivers stranded, while deeper currents pose life-threatening risks.
• Risk-taking behaviour heightens the danger, as many underestimate the power of water. The tragic KwaZulu-Natal floods of 2022, in which over 400 lives were lost, remain a stark reminder.

Beyond Drivers: A Systemic Challenge

Localised flooding endangers motorists, but it also places stress on the entire transport network. Blocked and waterlogged roads cause traffic jams, secondary accidents, and obstruct emergency services. Infrastructure sustains long-term damage, with weakened roadways and drainage systems proving risky even after the waters recede.

For insurers, these events lead to more claims in various areas, including motor, liability, and business interruption. The unpredictable nature of localised flooding complicates risk assessment, challenges underwriting models, and increases the need for new solutions.

Building Resilience in an Era of Climate Change

With climate change expected to intensify rainfall variability, resilience is no longer optional; it is essential. SAIA promotes a collaborative approach that involves government, business, and communities. Priorities include:

• Upgrading infrastructure: Investment in stormwater systems, flood-resilient road design, and sustainable urban planning.
• Harnessing technology: Using weather data, geolocation, and traffic systems to deliver real-time alerts to drivers.
• Educating the public: Campaigns that influence driver behaviour and encourage caution when approaching flooded roads.
• Innovating in insurance: Products that incentivise risk reduction, from telematics-based pricing to coverage for vehicles with flood-resilient features.

Localised flooding is not a marginal issue; it is a systemic road-safety challenge with significant human and economic costs. For the insurance industry, the stakes are clear: protecting policyholders, supporting resilience, and enabling smarter risk management. For communities, the imperative is even greater: saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods.

When roads turn into rivers, the question is not whether we can prevent every flood, but whether we can create a system resilient enough to withstand them. With shared responsibility and proactive investment, South Africa can alter the course of this increasing crisis.

*Pamela Ramagaga is General Manager: Insurance Risks, at the South African Insurance Association (SAIA).