Change of attitudes needed for safer roads in South Africa – AA
Drunk driving, speeding, and a lack of law enforcers, are among the biggest safety concerns for drivers on South African roads over the festive period. This is according to motorists polled by the Automobile Association (AA) in a recent survey. The survey also found that only eight percent of motorists feel safe while travelling on South African roads over this period.
According to the results of the poll, conducted in early December, 62% of motorists regard drunk driving as the biggest problem on the country’s roads. Apart from speeding and a lack of law enforcers, the survey found that motorists believe unlicensed drivers also pose a major problem.
“The results are indicative of what we have been saying for a long time: that the attitude of South African drivers is simply not good enough. Drunk driving, speeding or driving without proper licenses are behaviours that can be changed but aren’t. Unless more is done to prevent these types of conduct, they will continue unabated,” the AA noted.
Results from the survey seem to confirm this belief as a staggering 60% of motorists said their safety is reliant on the attitude of other road users. While eight percent of motorists said they feel safe travelling on the country’s roads over the festive period, 27 percent said they didn’t feel safe as the roads they use need upgrading or better maintenance.
“Another worrying element we found was that motorists say that they drive an average of three hours before stopping to take a break. We would encourage all drivers to change this by stopping every two hours or 200 kilometres to refresh and relax. Being tired behind the wheel is extremely dangerous and stopping regularly ensures that you maintain focus for the whole journey,” said the AA.
According to the AA, this has been backed up by a recent study by the American Automobile Association (AAA) which found that drowsy driving is comparable to driving drunk. The AAA has urged all drivers to remain as alert as possible.
Being alert on the road is especially important as 66% of respondents who said they were going away indicated they will be travelling between 501 kilometres and more than 1500 kilometres over the festive period. The AA said on long journeys maintaining focus on the road can become difficult and that stopping to stretch legs, or for fresh air, is essential.
“Our country has a high road fatality rate over festive periods. To begin dealing effectively with this, motorists must obey the rules of the road, drive responsibly and respect other road users. We urge all motorists to apply these principles for a safer, happier festive period on our roads in 2016,” the AA concluded.
