Road accidents are the world’s biggest killers – and South Africa’s road death toll is double the global average.
More than 1 000 people have died on our roads since the beginning of December, and South Africa is counting the cost.
Speeding, not wearing seatbelts, not observing traffic laws and not being vigilant have been identified as some of the contributing factors to the high fatality rate.
The spokesman for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Ashref Ismail, said the severity of head-on collisions could be minimised if speed was reduced.
“Depending on the speed of impact, these types of crashes are the most devastating since in most cases, victims are trapped in the cabin. In many cases, vehicles have exploded on impact,” he said.
The physical impact on victims, he said, led to multiple fatalities; multiple fractures; brain and organ damage; or spinal cord injuries.
Quoting research, he said an 80 percent increase in the number of people wearing seatbelts in the front and back seats of a vehicle would bring an automatic 30 percent reduction in fatalities.
“Seatbelts reduce the chances of a fatality or serious injury by more than 50 percent,” he said.
During inclement weather, he implored motorists to reduce speeds and to be aware of adverse road conditions, such as potholes, oil patches, jagged tar edges and rutting.
“During wet weather, stopping distances are increased and therefore prudent following distances should be observed,” he said.
Tyres, he said, should have sufficient tread and wiper blades should be in good condition.
Department of Transport spokesman, Logan Maistry, said this year more than 11 500 driving licences had been cancelled or suspended – 1 497 from KwaZulu-Natal were cancelled, while 159 were suspended.
Insurance company, First for Women, also expressed concern about the high accident rate.
“Worldwide, road traffic injuries are responsible for the highest injury mortality,” said Robyn Farrell, managing director of the company. “But in SA, it’s shocking that the road traffic fatality rate (39.7 per 100 000) is higher than for any World Health Organisation region and almost double the global average.”
They also examined how to keep children safe during the festive period.
She said that according to the RTMC, SA had more than 700 000 crashes a year, with three children dying every day on the roads.
Correctly using and fitting car seats or booster seats could substantially reduce the risk of serious injury or death, she said.
“The next time you see someone driving with their children not in a car seat or safely buckled up, call 0861 400-800 with the car’s licence plate, the date and place you saw it occur and the RTMC will send them a warning letter. It could save a child’s life.”
AA spokesman Gary Ronald said it was important not to drive when tired. “Rest every 200km or after every two hours of driving. If you’re tired, it’s simple – don’t drive,” he said. - Daily News