The majority of South Africans travel daily via public transport.1 These public transport vehicles may also be referred to as ‘taxis’ in South Africa. Millions of South Africans go to and from work in urban areas and for longer journeys across the country’s rural regions via such taxis. Minibus taxis provide a highly convenient and affordable means of public transport. The taxi industry has been a success for black economic empowerment on a vast scale. 1 Taxis therefore play an important role in South Africa’s economy.1
Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news. Road safety and taxi vehicles are often discussed in the media. Recently, a driver lost control over the minibus taxi in Kwa-Zulu Natal, which resulted in the tragic loss of 7 lives and 15 people were injured as well.2 Taxis are involved in double the number of accidents compared to all other passenger-type vehicles combined.1
Vehicle safety
Minibus taxis are often at a disadvantage by design when it comes to the protection of their occupants. Cars and other personal vehicles like SUVs might offer more safety features compared to the safety features that are provided for minibus taxi occupants, especially for taxi passengers. For example, modern cars offer seat belts for all occupants, which may not be the case for all taxi occupants. Some personal passenger vehicles with a high safety rating protect all occupants with airbags and other safety features, which may be lacking in minibus taxis.
Violent crime1,5
There is also potentially violent crime that could spill onto our streets that relate to minibus taxis. It is believed that illegal taxi operators have contributed to taxi-related violence. In December, people shot firearms at several taxis, which killed five people and injured nine other individuals.
Driver behaviour1,4
Traffic laws exist to protect road users’ lives. 70% of taxi users who took part in a recent study said that taxi drivers broke traffic laws while driving. 52% of taxi commuters said that they witnessed or experienced an accident that was caused by a taxi.
Many taxi drivers regularly drive over the speed limit to reduce travel times, which could cause road accidents. Taxis are also often overloaded, which negatively impacts the vehicles’ handling and stopping abilities.
Vehicle Roadworthiness6
Minibus taxis that are not roadworthy are unsafe to use. One study found that 95% of taxis are not roadworthy. This high roadworthy test failure rate is due to the disregard for proper vehicle maintenance.
Let’s hope that 2020 is a year of improving road safety for all.
Insurance
Some insurers offer vehicle insurance products for minibus taxis, which could be helpful for taxi vehicle owners and drivers.
All insurance companies do not offer vehicle insurance for taxis because some insurers only operate in the personal-usage motorist segment of the vehicle insurance market.
Are you a motorist who drives a car that isn’t paid to transport people? Are you interested in affordable car insurance for your personal passenger vehicle? Perhaps consider buying affordable car insurance with PMD?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1 https://www.arrivealive.mobi/minibus-taxis-and-road-safety
2 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/kzn-taxi-accident-death-toll-and-updates-3-january-2020/
3 https://www.arrivealive.mobi/minibus-taxi-crashes-and-road-safety-in-gauteng
6 https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/95-of-taxis-not-roadworthy-tests-reveal-71843