South Africa has witnessed a devastating surge in road accident fatalities in 2024, with 10,154 lives lost on the country’s roads so far this year. One of the most tragic incidents was the Mmamatlakala bus crash, which occurred on March 28, 2024, claiming the lives of 45 people, mostly from Botswana, and leaving only one survivor, an 8-year-old girl.
Minister of Transport, Baraba Creecy, has expressed concern over the alarming number of road accident fatalities, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the crisis. According to the Minister, the leading causes of road accidents in South Africa include distractions, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, and jaywalking.
In terms of provincial statistics, the Eastern Cape is the only province to have surpassed its target of reducing fatalities by at least 18.6%. However, other provinces such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga have recorded an increase in fatalities, while the Western Cape has seen a significant number of pedestrian deaths due to road accidents.
To combat the rising number of road accident fatalities, the Minister has urged drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws and regulations. Some valuable tips to avoid accidents on the road include:
- Staying alert and focused: Avoid distractions like using your phone or eating while driving.
- Maintaining a safe following distance: Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Being aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and weather conditions.
- Obeying traffic laws and regulations: Follow speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules.
- Regularly checking and maintaining your vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition, including tires, brakes, and lights.
