Where does road safety stand in South Africa in 2019?
How does one measure road safety? By examining annual road fatalities and injuries, one can see how effective road safety of any country is. What does South Africa’s road safety look like in 2019?
How was December 2018 on South African roads?
It can only be described as a month of horrors.1 Road fatalities in mid-December 2018 were up by 16% (an increase of 767 people), compared to the same period in 2017. Gauteng was the only province that showed no increases, but KwaZulu-Natal was the worst province, showing an increase of 162 fatalities. Although the Northern Cape recorded the lowest increase of fatalities (24), the number of fatal car crashes still increased by 71%.1
Human Error Largely To Blame
About 86% of all incidents can be blamed on human error, while the remaining 14% are caused by road and vehicle technicalities. 1
Which vehicles were considered the most dangerous?
Thirty-four minibus taxis were involved in fatal crashes, but trucks are considerably more dangerous. The Minister of Transport, Blade Nzimande, issued a strong warning to taxi companies.1
How many people were killed on South African roads over the last ten years?
A Wheels24 article of April 20182 revealed that 14 050 road fatalities occurred on South African roads during 2017. In fact, over 134 000 people have been killed on South African roads over the last 10 years. This is equivalent to two full-capacity Ellis Park Stadiums losing all its spectators. The carnage continues despite the implementation of road safety programmes.
What is the solution to reducing road fatalities during 2019?
The AASA said that the various road safety programmes have failed to be effective, and recommended that a new approach should be urgently implemented. They highlighted that there should be a drastic change in the attitude of drivers.2
South African Drivers Are In The Midst Of A National Crisis In 2019
This is according to the AASA Automobile Association of South Africa). 2 It is unthinkable to be content with keeping the South African fatality level to about 14 000 a year. The AASA has a multi-prong plan that should be implemented to reduce fatalities.
Implementing A Solution Made Of Two Main Thrusts
“Prevention is better than cure,” they say, and the first thrust is all about that – creating a safer environment, which includes improved transport and education.
The First Thrust – Creating A Safer Environment
Pedestrians makeup about 40% of all road fatalities,2 and thus creating a safer commuting environment for them would largely reduce fatalities. Educating pedestrians on how to observe rules of the road will protect them from making fatal mistakes. It is vital that employers take care of their employees by equipping them with clearly visible clothing, and thus making them more noticeable to drivers.
The Second Thrust- Changing Lawless Attitudes Of Drivers
It’s no secret, but many motorists on our roads drive as they please – without any concern for the consequences if you will. It is just unfortunate if your car happens to be in the way. Overtaking on solid white lines, driving through red traffic lights, and tailgating are just a few of the many illegal actions committed by more and more drivers. These offences have become meaningless to them. So, how can such attitudes be changed?
No Law Enforcement, No Law
Let’s face it, a nation can be likened to a family. If children have boundaries, which are only on paper and never enforced, they will turn out to be rebellious. The reason is that breaking rules never have any consequences. South Africa may have sound and excellent road laws in place, but if barely enforced, they will become meaningless to motorists.
Road Safety Urgently Requires 24/7 Law Enforcement
Humans tend to respond to the rule of law only if consistently applied. The sudden hypes of road safety activity over the festive seasons don’t address the problem. A culture of respect for the law and obedience to its requirements will only start to develop as a result of a consistent, no tolerance application of law enforcement. It will take time. Law enforcement is only as strong as it’s applied penalties. In other words, speed cameras and law enforcement officers may be visible everywhere, but if you never receive a fine, then ‘enforcement’ becomes a ‘joke.’
What is the progress on the implementation of the AARTO bill?
The AARTO system was recently approved by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport,3 and will be debated further in Parliament. Final approval of the AARTO Bill and its implementation can pose serious consequences for motorists once they run out of points. Although the AARTO system is designed to hold motorists accountable for their infringements, the system, yet again, is only as good as its enforcement.
Reading the foregoing makes you realise that accidents do abound on South Africa’s chaotic roads. Why don’t you make sure your car is adequately protected with 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://www.thesouthafrican.com/road-fatalities-december-2018-sa-stats/
