According to a December 2020 article by the Automobile Association (AA),1 pedestrian deaths make up about one-third of annual road fatalities in South Africa. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) revealed that 5339 pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2017 on South African roads. A staggering 43 350 pedestrians died over ten years (2008 – 2017). These statistics speak volumes, and much effort has gone into creating several safety campaigns.
The AA initiates a pedestrian campaign1
In 2018, the AA, jointly with Ford Motor Company Southern Africa, initiated a pedestrian visibility campaign, which has continued over the years. This campaign aims to create awareness amongst pedestrians and drivers alike and foster mutual respect.
What are some of the challenges amongst pedestrians?2
Informal settlements springing up besides major arterial roads and the many intoxicated pedestrians provide significant setbacks. The informal settlements are not fenced off from the nearby streets, and thus anyone can wander into the street. How does one control the level of intoxication amongst pedestrians?
Besides creating awareness, it is also crucial for pedestrians to take note of the following safety tips. 2
Try and walk on the sidewalks2
Pedestrians must use sidewalks if available. Often, one sees pedestrians walking in the road, with their backs to oncoming traffic (instead of facing traffic), whilst a pedestrian walk is visible on the one side of the road.
What if there are no sidewalks? 2
It is easy to say ‘walk on the sidewalks’ when often there are just no sidewalks available. However, it’s not realistic to suggest that pedestrians shouldn’t walk in traffic if there is no sidewalk. Reality and practicality dictate, and pedestrians will do so anyway. Otherwise, in many cases, how will they get to work or home? If pedestrians are going to walk in traffic without sidewalks regardless, they should walk facing oncoming traffic. They should also walk on the side of the road as far away as possible from the traffic flow.
Crossing the road at any place2
This comprises a considerable challenge for pedestrians and motorists alike. Pedestrians are hit by vehicles when not using proper intersections. The one issue is one of incorrect perception of a car’s speed travelling towards the pedestrian.
Underestimating a car’s speed2
If, as a pedestrian, you are crossing a major arterial road, and a car is approaching you at 120 km/hr, it will cover 33.33 metres in one second. This is a third of the length of a rugby field. If a car is 100 metres away from a pedestrian, when he starts to cross the road, which seems reasonably far and ‘safe’ according to the pedestrian, it will only take 3 seconds before the car reaches the pedestrian. Pedestrians should look right, left, and then right again.
How can pedestrians be made more visible? 2
Ideally, it would be great if every pedestrian in South Africa could wear a yellow reflective jacket for increased visibility. Nevertheless, we know this is not the case. Instead, could pedestrians wear colourful clothes during the day and use a torch at night?
Many pedestrians can’t meet these safety requirements. Regardless, motorists cannot escape their responsibility towards pedestrians and their safety either. Car accidents are unfortunate events and tragedies for all involved. If you have an accident of any kind, are you currently adequately covered? Contact PMD for more information about affordable car insurance with unique benefits like fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Sources:
1https://aa.co.za/pedestrian-safety-vital-to-overall-road-safety-in-sa-2/
2https://www.arrivealive.mobi/safety-of-pedestrians
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.