South African roads ranked most deadly in the world
Our roads have just been named the most treacherous in the world. What can we do to turn this alarming trend around and make our roads safer for all?
South Africa's roads have earned the unwanted title of being the most hazardous in the world, according to a recent report by online driver education platform Zutobi.
This is the second consecutive year our country has topped this list, highlighting pressing concerns about road safety and driver behaviour.
The report, 'The World's Safest Roads' reveals that South Africa experiences a staggering 24.5 road traffic deaths per 100,000 people.
This sobering statistic is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the root causes of these fatalities.
One of the key areas of concern is the low seat belt usage rate, with only 31% of front-seat passengers buckling up.
This is particularly alarming given that our motorway speed limit is a relatively modest 120km/h, similar to that of Norway, which tops the list of safest countries.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has previously identified alcohol and speeding as the primary contributors to road deaths, reports SABC News.
These reckless behaviours are a major threat to the safety of all road users, and we must take collective responsibility for changing this culture.
As we reflect on this worrying trend, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to make our roads safer.
This includes stricter enforcement of traffic laws, increased public awareness campaigns, and a concerted effort to promote responsible driving practices.
Only by working together can we hope to reverse this alarming trend and make our roads safer for everyone.
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