Everyone knows about the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the entire globe. The pandemic saw many South Africans not stepping foot in their vehicle due to heavy lockdown restrictions, but how has this pandemic affected road safety in South Africa? Many South Africans have been stressed out financially, and unfortunately, this has affected driving behaviour on our roads.
What impact is the pandemic having?1
No one knows how the impact will work out and when it will all end. But the one thing we do know is that this pandemic has increased the overall stress levels of many South African motorists. The big question is, how will this affect their driving behaviour and, in turn, road safety?
What is the global death rate due to road traffic accidents? 1
World Health Organisation (WHO) figures show that 1.35 million people die worldwide every year owing to road accidents. Road deaths in low- and middle-income countries make up more than 90% of this horrendous figure. Africa, unfortunately, has the highest rate of road deaths. During a public holiday period, the South African death toll exceeds what Australia and the UK together experience in one year.
What is the main cause of South African road accidents? 1
Human error is the biggest contributing factor to road accidents in South Africa. They say, ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ and some motorists could become blasé about taking care and road safety in general after driving for many years.
How deceived are we as motorists? 1
AA data indicates that 50% to 75% of motorists believe that they are good drivers during wet weather conditions or at night. We tend to exaggerate our driving skills, while the truth of the matter is that South African road accidents cost R142 billion in 2015. What an unnecessary waste of money, which continues to grow each year.
How can this dire situation be addressed? 1
Besides improving public transport, a zero-tolerance law enforcement could go a long way. The public is becoming more safety-conscious about which vehicles on the market have passed general safety criteria. Minimum safety standards on all cars sold in South Africa are crucial. Fortunately, the motor industry is committed to this safety drive.
Does the driving culture need to change? 1
Only 15% of driving is physical, whilst an overwhelming 85% is mental. Training in driving needs to focus on attitude, as well as general skills.
Anticipation is the name of the game1
You can be the most skillfull driver in the world, but if you don’t anticipate children running into the road when school breaks up, you could be in serious trouble.
We’ve had a little glimpse of what bad driving can cause, and how each one of us can add to road safety with some effort. Despite all of this, if you are involved in an accident, are you sure you are adequately covered? Contact PMD to find out more about their affordable car insurance products with unique benefits like fixed premiums*. T’s and C’s apply.
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. 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.
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