Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has announced that her department is in the process of reviewing the National Road Safety Strategy in an effort to enhance the effectiveness of the country’s safety policies.
The Department of Transport (DoT) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) aims to do away with the conventional safety approaches that have proved ineffective.
These will be replaced by a so-called “Safe System Approach” which comprises a holistic, systems-thinking, and comprehensive method to enhancing road safety.
The strategy is underpinned by engineering interventions, such as the development and promotion of:
- Safer vehicle technologies
- Safer road infrastructure designs
- Continuous improvements in traffic management systems
The overall strategy includes the implementation of stricter traffic laws, vigorous law enforcement operations, and comprehensive road safety education campaigns.
“These awareness programmes are designed to inform and empower all road users — drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists — on best practices to stay safe on the roads,” said Minister Creecy.
In addition, the DoT is collaborating with Road Authorities to continuously review and update the Engineering Technical Manuals which govern the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of thoroughfares.
On the national road network, which is managed by the National Roads Agency, several strategies have already been implemented to reduce vehicles accidents and fatalities.
Routine Road Maintenance Contractors are appointed to ensure that national roads are inspected on a daily basis and road surface kept safe by removing loose objects.
They furthermore ensure that all newly developed potholes are repaired within 48 hours to reduce risk of vehicle accidents.
Line Marking and Road Signs Contractors are appointed to check that line markings and roads signs on national roads are timeously maintained..
The surface condition of the national road network is also monitored by specialised road survey vehicles equipped with advance laser and 3D camera technologies.
This is used to measure various functional performance parameters that could negatively impact vehicle operations and handling, especially during wet weather.
The most dangerous roads in the world
A study by Zutobi titled The World’s Safest and Most Dangerous Roads concluded that South Africa statistically has the most dangerous roads in the world.
There are an estimated 24.5 road traffic deaths per 100,000 of the population on an annual basis, a consequence of the country’s general disregard for road laws.
Zutobi found that approximately 57.5% of road traffic deaths can be linked to alcohol, making Mzansi first in the world when it comes to driving under the influence.
General lawlessness, such as not wearing a seatbelt, is another major contributor.
It said South Africa has among the worst compliance rates of any country in the world, with only 31% of front-seat passengers generally wearing their seatbelt.
Rob Handfield-Jones, managing director at Driving.co.za, contends that the sheer number of illegally purchased driving licences contribute equally as much to road devastation as reckless behaviour.
In recent times, it’s become a rather common thing for people to buy their licences through corrupt officials, suggesting a considerable number of road users lack fundamental driving principles.
“We are talking about people who cannot brake or steer properly, literally the equivalent of a learner with 3–4 hours of instruction under their belts,” he said.
“No other factors can explain the abrupt doubling of fatality rates from 1998 to 2006 after they had declined in a straight line from 1985 onwards.”
Handfield-Jones estimates that illegal licences have resulted in over 300,000 road deaths in South Africa over the past 25 years.
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