The Success and Challenges of South Africa’s Decade of Action for Road Safety from 2011-2020

When evaluating the global plan for the decade of action for road safety from 2011 to 2020, particularly within the context of South Africa, it is essential to consider the annual road death toll. Is the 2020 figure significantly different from the 2011 figure? While the data does provide some insight, it is crucial to look beyond these figures to understand the overall impact of the initiative.

Annual Road Death Toll

On average, South Africa experiences a staggering number of road fatalities during holiday seasons and long weekends. Each holiday is marked by reports of tragic incidents on major roads, such as the N3, leading to numerous fatalities. For example, news reports frequently highlight that over the weekend, a specific number of people died on the N3, with the total death toll on the road climbing further.

While there might have been some limited success in reducing deaths, the numbers do not reflect the broader goal of achieving safe travel. In fact, these incidents are often followed by appeals for donations to hospitals, highlighting the ongoing struggle to address the issue effectively.

Enforcement and Improvements

Might South Africa finally be enforcing existing traffic laws more rigorously? Stronger enforcement could potentially curb reckless behavior and lead to a reduction in fatalities. However, the effectiveness of such measures is often undermined by persistent violations.

Several factors contribute to the ongoing problem:

Lack of Traffic Enforcement

Some road users, whether due to their selfishness, intoxication, aggression, or perceived entitlement, disregard traffic laws. The absence of consistent daily traffic enforcement exacerbates these violations. Common offenses include running red lights, rolling through stop signs, illegally picking up passengers anywhere, dangerous overtaking, and pedestrians crossing national highways at all hours. These behaviors contribute to a yearly toll of around 14,000 deaths, a figure that does not account for the countless survivors who may face disabilities such as paralysis, brain injuries, spinal injuries, or amputations.

Improper Driver Training and License Corruptly Obtained

A lack of adequate driver training and the corrupt sale of driver licenses further compound the chaos on South African roads. Poor training can lead to inexperienced and unskilled drivers contributing to accidents, while the sale of licenses by corrupt officials undermines public trust and safety measures. These factors collectively create an environment where reckless behavior is not only common but sometimes expected.

The Attitude on Roads

The attitude on South African roads reflects an entitled mindset: the more expensive and larger a vehicle is, the more immune to traffic laws its driver believes they are. This attitude places the lives of others at risk and perpetuates the cycle of avoidable fatalities.

Improving road safety in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter enforcement, better driver training, and comprehensive initiatives to change attitudes and behaviors on the road. The decade of action for road safety may have brought some progress, but there is still much work to be done to achieve safe travel for everyone.