In South Africa, speed-related collisions are a key contributor to road fatalities, with research showing that the severity of a collision at 80km/h is about 20 times higher than at 32km/h.

Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head of Personal Lines at Miway, says the implications of speeding go beyond safety alone and can also result in avoidable financial strain for motorists.

“Even small increases in speed can have a disproportionate impact. Just a 1% rise in average speed is linked to a 3% increase in serious collisions,” says Sibeko. “What many drivers don’t always consider is how that same principle applies to the financial outcome. The faster you’re travelling, the greater the potential vehicle impact and the higher the cost of repairs or replacement.”

As winter conditions take hold across much of the country, these considerations become even more important, explains Sibeko. “Roads are more slippery, visibility can be reduced, and traffic conditions can be unpredictable, so speed plays an even bigger role in determining the outcome of a potential incident. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to respond safely.”

Reduced traction on wet surfaces increases stopping distances, while mist or rain can make hazards harder to see with enough time to respond. In these conditions, what might otherwise be a minor incident, such as a sudden stop in traffic or a vehicle braking ahead, can become more serious and lead to higher repair costs.

“That’s where speed becomes a risk factor,” says Sibeko. “If you’re driving too fast for the conditions, you reduce your ability to avoid a collision and increase the severity if one does happen. Beyond the important safety implications, this can be the difference between a manageable repair and a much larger claim.”

From a claims perspective, higher-speed collisions tend to result in more substantial vehicle impact. Vehicles may require structural repairs rather than only superficial repairs, and the likelihood of write-offs or third-party claims can increase.

“We consistently see faster impacts lead to more substantial outcomes,” Sibeko adds. “That can mean higher excess payments, more time without your vehicle and, in some cases, longer-term financial implications if multiple vehicles or property are involved.”

Importantly, many of these costs can be avoided through simple adjustments to driving behaviour. Slowing down, increasing following distance and adapting to road and weather conditions can significantly reduce both the likelihood and severity of an incident.

“Driving defensively is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself financially,” says Sibeko. “Allowing more space between vehicles, reducing speed in wet or low-visibility conditions and avoiding abrupt manoeuvres can make a meaningful difference.”

For younger or less experienced drivers, these habits are particularly important to establish early. Understanding how speed affects control, reaction time and stopping distance is key to building safer, more cost-conscious driving behaviour over time.

“Insurance exists to help you recover when an unexpected incident happens,” Sibeko says. “But avoiding those incidents in the first place is always the better outcome, both from a safety and financial perspective. If you break the law with speeding, there could be insurance pay out consequences to keep in mind too.”

As winter weather settles in, Sibeko encourages South African motorists to reassess their approach behind the wheel.

“A few minutes saved on the road is rarely worth the potential cost,” she says. “By adjusting your speed and driving according to the conditions on the roads, you’re not only looking after yourself and others; you’re also protecting your financial wellbeing.”