Driving and the importance of road safety

Tweet As South Africans, we all enjoy taking time out during the festive season to enjoy the many destinations our country has to offer and often this leads to loss of life. Every year thousands upon thousands of new cars take to South African roads and with every new car comes the added risk of an accident occurring whether it be a minor bumper bash or a serious fatal collision. Accidents occur every single day on our roads, the risk is there and it’s not going away.

The saddest part of this reality is the fact that thousands of South Africans lose their lives every year on our roads. Road Safety in South Africa has been a contentious issue for many years and South Africans are well aware of the dangers yet the situation is not improving.

Ten years ago, in 2002, the fatalities occurring during the festive season from December to January totalled 1 216. Ten years later, in 2012, 1 230 fatalities were recorded over the same period, with preliminary figures being much higher. The following are common causes of accidents:

·         Speeds too high for conditions, especially during inclement weather and at night,

·         Dangerous, reckless and/or inconsiderate driving, particularly barrier line infringements,

·         Abuse of alcohol by drivers and pedestrians,

·         Fatigue, especially amongst public passenger drivers,

·         Vehicle fitness, particularly tyre failure and defective brakes,

·         Pedestrian negligence (Jay walking, walking on freeways, not visible at night and drunk walking)

Drivers and passengers not wearing safety belts is also a major contributing factor to fatalities on our roads. It’s also interesting to note that pedestrians and public transport passengers are most vulnerable. Fatal accidents occur mostly at night between 19:00 and 23:00 with most fatal crashes occur on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Interestingly most accidents occur on either urban or peri-urban (unmarked tar) roads with the top three factors being sharp bends, poor road conditions and visibility.

Campaigns such as Arrive Alive are doing tremendous work in educating the general public on all issues regarding road safety in South Africa. Even so, it’s the responsibility of each and every South African to promote road safety wherever possible. For safety’s sake, let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone. Drive safely and don’t drink and drive. If you need safe holiday driving tips, click here.