The 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety,1 which was presented by the World Health Organisation (WHO), not only describes the continuing carnage on the world’s roads, but also highlights success stories in various countries. It is encouraging to learn from such countries how road fatalities can be minimised.
THE FATALITY RATE / POPULATION SIZE RATIO HAS REMAINED THE SAME
Even though the road fatalities have continued to increase to reach a global level of 1.35 million in 2016, the fatality rate relative to the population size has remained the same. This is, in a sense, good news, in that at least the carnage has not become worse – thankfully due to mitigating measures initiated by various countries. The sad news is that the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims for a 50% decrease in road fatalities by 2020 is still far from its target. 1 South Africa is also committed to a 50% reduction in road fatalities according to the Decade of Action (2011 – 2020).2 Unfortunately, there has been no reduction in the road fatality trend so far.
ROAD FATALITIES HAVE OVERTAKEN DEATHS CAUSED BY DISEASES
Road fatalities have now exceeded deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, diarrhoeal diseases or tuberculosis.1 Fatalities caused by car crashes are the main cause of deaths in children and young adults in the age bracket of 5 – 29 years.
WHAT IS THE WORLD AVERAGE OF ROAD FATALITIES IN LOW- AND HIGH-INCOME COUNTRIES?
The global average rate of road fatalities in low-income countries is 27.5 deaths for every 100 000 people, compared to 8.3 deaths per 100 000 people in high-income countries. The world rate of road fatalities is 18.2 per 100 000 people.1
SOUTH AFRICA WAS CLASSIFIED AS ONE OF THE WORST COUNTRIES REGARDING ROAD SAFETY
Compare this to South Africa’s 31.9 fatalities per 100 000 people in 2010.3 A 2010 WHO report labelled South Africa as one of the worst countries regarding road safety. The 2016 road fatality rate for Africa as a whole was about 26.6 fatalities per 100 000 people.1 Europe showed the lowest road fatality rate at 9.3 deaths per 100 000 people.
HAS THERE BEEN ANY PROGRESS IN REDUCING ROAD FATALITIES?
A reduction in road fatalities was greater in middle- to high-income countries compared to low-income countries. Road fatalities in Europe, the Americas and the Western Pacific region decreased since 2013. Sadly, between 2013 and 2016, the low-income countries showed no reduction in road fatalities. 1
MORE ROAD FATALITIES OCCUR WITH MOTORCYCLISTS, CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS
One tends to think of road fatalities as largely involving car occupants, but this was low at 29%. The 2018 WHO report says that fatalities occurring among motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians were more than half of all road fatalities. Think about it – drivers and passengers in cars are protected by safety belts, and airbags, positioned in various positions in safety-rated, modern cars. But, the vulnerable group of motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians are just protected by fresh air, and nothing more. 1
AFRICA’S PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS MAKE UP THE HIGHEST ROAD FATALITIES
Road fatalities involving pedestrians and cyclists was the highest in Africa, at 44%.1
EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT IS KEY TO REDUCING ROAD FATALITIES
The WHO Report found that effective law enforcement played a critical role in reducing road fatalities. 1 Enforcement targeted at speeding, drunk-driving, failure to use safety belts and child restraints, as well as motorcycle helmets.
WHAT ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Law enforcement in South Africa will hopefully receive a boost in its effectiveness once the AARTO Bill has been approved. However, laws can be the best in the world, but if not physically enforced, they become meaningless. It is only when it becomes known to South African motorists about some recent suspensions of drivers’ licences, that other drivers will begin to take note and start to respect the law.
In the end, it is not the countless meetings, reports, annual goals, strategies or new laws that will reduce the terrible yearly carnage on our roads. It will be zero-tolerance, 24/7 physical policing and the resulting heavy penalties issued by our traffic authorities that will make motorists think twice.
And, do remember to protect your car while travelling on our roads – why not consider PMD’s cheap car insurance?
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 and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040.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://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/277370/WHO-NMH-NVI-18.20-eng.pdf?ua=1
2 https://www.arrivealive.mobi/united-nations-decade-of-action-for-road-safety-2011-2020