The biggest cause of road fatalities in South Africa is drivers focusing on something other than the road ahead of them, the most common distractions including using a cell phone, eating food, or applying make-up.
South Africa has among the most dangerous drivers in the world, contributing to some 12,000 road deaths every year which the Automobile Association has labeled a “national crisis.”
In a local study, around 25% of motorists admitted to driving while distracted, and of these individuals, 52% said they often fiddle with the radio, 32% said they eat and drink behind the wheel, and 22% said they use their phones.
This coincides with estimations that around a quarter of all road fatalities in the country are a result of distracted motorists, according to advanced driver-training company MasterDrive.
Other main causes of car-related deaths include drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, J-walking, adverse weather, poor road surfaces, and vehicle faults.
More action is needed
In a report released by Stats SA earlier in April, it was revealed that deaths as a result of road traffic accidents are consistently on the rise.
The most prevalent times of the year when fatalities are recorded include holiday periods such as the Easter break in March and April, as well as during December.
KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as the province with the highest percentage of road transport accident deaths at 24.4%, trailed by Limpopo at 19.8% and the Eastern Cape at 14.7%.
In 2019, the last year of data capture, hospitals were the predominant location for road transport accident fatalities, comprising 27.5% of occurrences.
Individuals declared deceased upon arrival at any healthcare facility constituted 13.0%, while those who succumbed in hospital emergency rooms accounted for 9.3% of road transport accident deaths during the same year.
“Throughout the period from 2007 to 2019, hospitals consistently represented the most prevalent site of death, with exceptions noted in the Western Cape, Free State, and Northern Cape, where individuals were declared deceased prior to reaching a healthcare facility,” said Stats SA.
It was also found that individuals typically pass away in the province where they reside.
KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo exhibited higher proportions of fatalities occurring in the residents’ respective provinces, with rates of 92.1% and 93.4%, respectively.
At the other end of the spectrum, Gauteng bucked the trend with a lower percentage of road transport accident fatalities occurring in the province of usual residence, at 54.2%.
“Implementing stricter traffic regulations, enforcing speed limits, and cracking down on drunk driving remain crucial steps in reducing accidents,” concluded Stats SA.
“Investing in better road infrastructure, including the construction of safer intersections, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated bike lanes, can also enhance road safety.”
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