The state of road safety in South Africa remains the greatest challenge facing the transport system, costing the country an average of R163 billion annually. 1 According to the Automobile Association (AA), there have been, in the past decade, 135 000 road deaths, making this a national crisis. 1
Where are we with road safety at the moment? 1
In 2010, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported road fatalities to be 13,967. In 2017, fatalities rose to 14,050 and the figure last year managed to dip to 12,921. Even with the modest decline in last year’s fatalities, they still average at 13,500 per year. This means that 135,000 fatalities occurred during this last decade.
The AA believes this is a national crisis, and if they do not get the urgent and immediate attention needed, they fear the next decade will possibly see another 135,000 road deaths, if not more.
The year 2020 marks the end of the United Nation’s Decade of Action for Road Safety. This campaign was initiated to reduce the number of road deaths by half in different countries. Not only have South Africa’s numbers failed to reach the goals set during this period but our fatality rate has increased during this time.
How many pedestrians are involved in road accidents? 1
In South Africa, pedestrian fatalities comprise about 40% of all fatalities occurring annually. It is noted separately because the numbers are significantly high. The AA has been highly involved in educational programmes among school children and commuters to reduce the risk of pedestrians dying on South African roads. But a much wider effort is required to make a greater impact.
It may be suggested that more pedestrian awareness and education needs to be implemented in South Africa.
Would safer cars make a difference in road safety? 1
When it comes to entry-level vehicles available in South Africa, safety levels are not as highly prioritised as it is in other countries around the world. At this stage, it is not possible to provide safe, affordable (entry-level vehicles) 5-Star Global Ncap rating vehicles in South Africa. It is seen as an optional extra in South Africa in some cases, as compared to Europe and America where such safety is a standard feature of all cars sold.
The AA is urging the minister and his department to have a serious look into this, as safer cars will help reduce road fatalities each year. Vehicles sold in South Africa should at least subscribe to the minimum standards for car safety, namely:
• Anti-Lock Braking (ABS);
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and
• Passenger airbags as a mandatory requirement.
Fitting this kind of technology into cars as a standard safety requirement will reduce the number of accidents and injuries. Implementation of minimum safety standards through this technology can also help increase the safety of pedestrians who would not be exposed to accidents.
The pre-owned market should have vehicles with all these safety features as well. This is one way that SA can help make the roads safer to travel on.
However, the above is only part of the road safety aspect in South Africa. Commuters, motorists and pedestrians also need to be educated more, while the current law enforcement should be implemented more strictly on our roads. This applies specifically to drinking and driving, texting and driving, and the millions of motorists who have illegal drivers’ licenses.
Car insurance cover could be considered to be valuable by motorists with the state of road safety in South Africa in mind. Do you have cheap car insurance? Perhaps get a quote for affordable car insurance with PMD?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. 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.businesslive.co.za/bd/life/motoring/2019-06-27-sa-road-safety-needs-a-complete-rethink/