Road Accident Fund Raises Alarm Over High Claims by Young People

As Youth Month came to a close on the 30th of June, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) expressed profound concern over the staggering amount of money paid for claims by young people from 2020 to 2022. This demographic accounted for a shocking 44% of all claims lodged during this period, highlighting a critical need for behavioral change among young road users.

Over the three-year span, the RAF paid a total of R43.13 billion for injury benefits to young accident survivors aged 15 to 34, averaging R14.37 billion annually. Additionally, R2.86 billion was disbursed for death-related benefits, averaging R956 million per year. These figures underscore the significant financial and human cost of road accidents involving young people.

The youth, often characterized by high levels of mobility and risk-taking behavior, are disproportionately represented in road accident statistics. The RAF noted an average of 21,475 youth-related claims per year during this period, with an average claim amount of R2,568,595. Furthermore, 63% of these claims were filed by males, 36% by females, and 1% were unspecified.

Recently, the RAF reported that out of 34,946 road fatalities, 13,963 were young people. This equates to an annual average of 4,654 fatalities within the 15 to 34 age group, compared to a total average of 11,649 fatalities. Pedestrians accounted for 38% of young road user deaths, followed by passengers at 35%.

RAF Chief Executive Officer, Collins Letsoalo, expressed deep concern over these statistics. “We are deeply concerned by the high number of claims from young people. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for young people and all road users to change their behavior and prioritize road safety. We must instill a culture of safe driving and responsible road use,” Letsoalo stated.

The RAF has launched several targeted road safety education and awareness campaigns aimed at the youth, including the Comprehensive Road Safety Programme for learners and youth in 2023. These initiatives are part of broader efforts in collaboration with the Department of Transport to promote road safety.

The RAF emphasizes the increased risk of road accidents at night, especially in winter when nights are longer. They urge all road users to adhere to road rules and avoid risky behaviors such as wearing dark clothes after sunset, texting while walking or driving, and using headphones while on the road.

RAF injury benefits available to road crash survivors include Loss of Earnings, General Damages, Past Medical Expenses, and Future Medical Expenses. Death benefits cover Funeral Expenses and Loss of Support for the deceased’s families.

In the unfortunate event of a motor vehicle accident, the RAF Contact Centre can be reached at 087 820 1 111, Monday to Friday, from 07h45 to 16h00. The RAF also has offices nationwide, with details available on their website at www.raf.co.za.