Road deaths in South Africa

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As South Africans, many of us are aware of the dangers on our roads. South Africa has a shocking history of high accident rates resulting in significant road deaths. There are many reasons for this but general carelessness, recklessness and disregard for road rules and the safety of passengers and other road users permeates throughout South Africa.

Looking back over the recent Easter weekend, Transport minister S’bu Ndebele cited Australia and England in reviewing the Easter road death toll which rose to 181 on Monday. It is thought that approximately 1100 people die on South African roads every month. In Australia 1292 people died as a result of car accidents in 2011, a staggering difference. The death rate in Australia has fallen by 26 percent in the last ten years, with a population less than half of South Africa. 

In Great Britain, with a 20 percent larger population than South Africa, road deaths fell below 2000 in 2011. The relatively low death rate over the Easter weekend may indicate a change in attitude amongst South African motorists but it remains to be seen whether the decrease will continue in the future.

Either way you look at it, South Africa still has a long way to go in terms of road safety and nurturing a culture of responsible road use. If you are a South African road user, drive safely, take care on the roads and don’t drink and drive. Do some reading on safe holiday driving tips or visit www.arrivealive.co.za