It’s a harsh reality that many people in South Africa face every day when they step out onto the roads—fatal traffic accidents.
Despite being in office for months now, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has been criticized for not taking significant action to improve road safety in the country.
According to a recent report, South Africa is struggling with one of the highest fatality rates on the planet, and little seems to be done to address the situation.
South Africa’s Traffic Death Rate is Alarmingly High
A new study conducted by Zutobi, an online driving school, revealed some unsettling figures.
The report titled The World’s Safest Roads ranked South Africa as having some of the deadliest roads globally.
South Africa has a staggering 24.5 fatal accidents per 100,000 people, far above the global average of 6.3 per 100,000.
This means that every time South Africans drive, they face a much higher risk of fatal accidents compared to the global standard.
What makes the situation worse is the low seatbelt adherence rate and a high number of drunk drivers on the roads.
Although the report pointed these factors out, it missed one critical element: the dangerous driving of minibus taxis.
These vehicles are involved in some of the worst traffic accidents in the country, often leading to multiple fatalities.
Why Are South African Roads So Dangerous?
When looking at the global picture, South Africa is at the bottom of the road safety ladder.
For instance, countries like Norway, Iceland, and Japan boast some of the safest roads in the world.
In Norway, there are only 1.5 traffic-related deaths per 100,000 people.
In stark contrast, South Africa’s roads are extremely dangerous by comparison.
A major contributing factor to these high fatalities is the fact that only 30% of passengers in South Africa buckle up, whereas countries like Norway have an impressive 98% seatbelt usage.
Another major issue is South Africa’s alarming alcohol-related traffic fatalities, which sit at a staggering 57.5%.
This is far higher than other countries like Malaysia, which has the lowest alcohol-related road deaths globally at just 0.1%.
The Road Toll Over the Festive Season
Minister Barbara Creecy’s efforts to curb road fatalities have yet to show any substantial improvements.
She revealed earlier this year that over 1,500 people had died in more than 1,200 traffic accidents during the December and January months, marking a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year.
This surge in road fatalities during the festive season paints a grim picture of South Africa’s road safety crisis.
What Needs to Change?
Zutobi’s report identifies several key factors contributing to the high accident rate in South Africa, including speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
To curb the fatalities, experts believe that more effective government awareness campaigns are needed to educate road users about these dangers and promote safe driving behaviors.
Are South African Roads Getting Safer?
So, the question remains: How can South Africa turn the tide on its deadly roads? Improved safety measures, stricter enforcement of laws, and public education campaigns are crucial steps.
As South Africans continue to face life-threatening risks daily, it’s clear that more action is urgently needed to improve road safety.
What do you think? Are South Africa’s roads as dangerous as they seem? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below or reaching out via WhatsApp.