What YOU can do to help curb SA’s high road death toll in 2018
Let’s face it, South Africa’s high road injury and fatality numbers are pretty shocking. In fact, the number of people injured or killed on SA’s roads on a daily basis is enough for government and institutions like the Global Road Safety Partnership, to name this an epidemic.
Speaking at the Global Road Safety Partnership conference in Cape Town today, Councillor Brett Herron noted that 1400 people are killed on Western Cape roads every year, which translates to about three to four deaths every day. “In addition, seventeen people are injured every day on Western Cape roads,” says Herron.
More than just legislation
Clearly, drastic changes need to happen, and while we can all blame the Government for lack of necessary infrastructure and resources, motorists still need to do their part to help combat SA’s high road injury and death statistics.
“An August 2016 report by the CSIR estimates the cost of road crashes to the economy of South Africa to be about R143 billion per annum. Human factors are indicated as the biggest contributor to road crashes and fatalities, accounting for 77% of contributing factors.”
“Halving road deaths and injuries by 2020” – GRSP
While the Global Road Safety Partnership aims to create a country free of crashes and fatalities through working with law enforcers and government initiatives, motorists can do their part not only by practicing responsible and safe driving, but by leading by example.
At Women on Wheels, our focus on road safety goes beyond creating and publishing relevant information to encourage readers to practice good driving behaviour. We put our own advice into practice on the road, as well and regularly discuss the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence, with friends and family. We believe that more of this sort of ‘talking’ needs to happen in every day environments, in order for action to take place. It no longer needs to be ‘uncool’ to discourage a family member from driving home drunk, or to call a friend out for bad driving behaviour like driving over the speed limit.
At the Global Road Safety Partnership Conference, the first FIA/Decaux worldwide communication campaign introduced 10 ‘Golden Rules’ for safer motoring…
- Obey the speed limit
- never drive drunk
- use a child safety seat
- always pay attention
- buckle up
- don’t text and drive
- stop when you’re tired
- wear a helmet
- check your tyres
- stay bright – pedestrian visibility
There are various campaigns and initiatives that you can be a part of. Why not be a part of the change and sign up for one on the FIA website? We have! Click here to sign the manifesto.
Source: FIA, MasterDrive, the Automobile Association (AA)