How important would changing driver attitude be in 2019?
IS ROAD SAFETY IMPORTANT IN 2019?
To answer the question if road safety is important in 2019 in South Africa, we have to look at the road fatality statistics to fully understand the gravity of the situation.
SOUTH AFRICA’S ROAD FATALITIES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE A NATIONAL CRISIS
An April 2018 article by HeraldLive revealed some shocking statistics. The road death toll in 2017 was one of the worst years on record. Over the past 10 years, a total of 135 000 people have died in car crashes in South Africa. This is equivalent to two, more than full capacity crowds at Ellis Park stadium losing their lives.
FURTHER STATISTICS REVEAL THE HORROR ON OUR ROADS
In 2017, 14 050 people (or 39 per day) were killed due to car crashes in South Africa.In 2016, 14 071 people were killed on South African roads.
ARE THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS WORKING?
Not according to the AA, who stresses that serious plans of action are required concerning road safety. The AA urges that a complete overhaul of the approach to road safety should take place, emphasising that motorists’ attitudes have to change drastically.
ONE ROAD FATALITY IS JUST ONE TOO MANY
The AA said that to maintain road deaths to an annual level of 14 000 was out of the question. They are blowing the trumpet, alerting road safety authorities that it is a national crisis.
WHAT ABOUT PEDESTRIANS?
We tend to think of road fatalities only involving people in cars, but well over a third of all fatalities during the 2017/2018 festive season involved pedestrians.
THE AA RECOMMENDS A FOCUS ON PEDESTRIANS
In order to mitigate against high pedestrian fatalities, the AA recommended that pedestrians should be able to commute more safely, be exposed to education campaigns, and have access to safe public transport. Introducing crash avoidance technology would be of great help, as well as encouraging companies to help their staff be more visible when walking.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HOLD A MAGIC WAND
All road users, which include motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, need to realise that it’s not only the State’s responsibility to increase road safety. It’s a responsibility shared by all road users as well.
SOUTH AFRICAN MOTORISTS HAVE A TERRIBLE ATTITUDE
According to the AA, many South African motorists have a serious problem with their attitudes, especially with respect to the law. Unless there is a change in attitude, any attempts in reducing fatalities will be futile.
HOW COULD ATTITUDES BE CHANGED?
The AA touched on a most important aspect, namely, the lack of respect for the law. It’s no secret that, apart from speed trapping on certain roads, visible law enforcement appears to be poor.
THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT TO INITIATE NEW POLICIES IN 2018/2019
In a May 2018 article, BusinessTech mentions that the Traffic Department was set to launch new policies for South African roads over the next 12 months. One of the policies would entail increasing the number of law enforcement officers, as well as having them on duty 24/7 on South African roads.
LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BE CONSIDERED AN ‘ESSENTIAL SERVICE’ TO INCREASE VISIBILITY
The Traffic Department will recommend that law enforcement be considered an ‘essential service.’ This, as well as round-the-clock traffic police surveillance, will drastically improve visibility of traffic police on South African roads.
AARTO TO BE IMPLENTED AT LONG LAST?
All road users may be likened to ‘children’ of a family. We all know that children become steadily worse in undisciplined families. Discipline puts down boundaries and when these are crossed, there are consequences. The AARTO demerit system will be implemented nationwide after the AARTO Act has been promulgated. At present, the AARTO system is at the National Assembly for consideration . Once in place, the system will be removing points from licences of drivers who are breaking the traffic rules.
Reading the above makes one realise how chaotic South African roads have become. However, in the meantime, it’s crucial that your car is protected from any accidental damage. Purchase PMD’s affordable car insurance, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind.
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 (car insurance and life cover products). 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.
