As we approach the final stretch of the year and enter October, we shift into gear for National Transport Month. This is an ever-growing and important initiative that looks at the driving forces behind South Africa’s road safety. It also creates awareness around the economic benefits within the transportation sector.
According to WHO data, South Africa has recorded higher than average road traffic death rates, relatively low rates of seatbelt wearing, and one of the world’s highest percentages of road traffic deaths attributed to alcohol, making it more dangerous than the worldwide average . The number of road accidents and deaths also led to the road safety within the country being declared as a ‘national crisis’ by AA in 2021 The country reportedly averages around 14 000 road deaths a year – a yearly average that is higher than the global average of road deaths.
The International Transport Forum’s 2019 ‘Road Safety Annual Report’ highlighted that between the years of 2000 and 2018, the number of road deaths increased by 52%. These numbers had significant effects on the country’s economic and tourism status. According to the National Department of Transportation in 2018, road accidents cost the country’s economy a staggering R164 billion.
Understanding the role transportation and freight plays within the country (specifically to the economy) is also crucial and key to improving road safety. Road safety is not only essential for civilians, but for businesses and freight drivers, too. The effective transportation of goods to various markets in turn helps increase business and company investment as well as employment in the country. With a greater freight efficiency, the cost of goods is likely to be lowered while also increasing the availability of these goods.
The road to reducing these statistics and numbers has so far been a challenging one, however, it is not an impossible one. With the death-toll, these reports and articles also reveal some of the main causes for road accidents and deaths. These included excessive speeding, driving with fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with vehicles that are not roadworthy, and lastly, negligence of traffic rules. By identifying the main causes, we can each work towards remedying them.
Many companies and brands within the sector have put together lists of safety tips and precautions drivers can implement while on the road. The Arrive Alive website provides a detailed list of safety tips that speaks to each of the main causes listed above.
In addition to practicing these road safety tips, it is important to be trained for the road. Our company recognises the importance of trained drivers, which is why we offer a wide range of Industrial and Commercial Driving Safety Training courses. These courses provide you with a combination of classroom-based theory as well as on-road practical driver training – equipping you with all the necessary skills to help you improve your driver skills and attitude.
Let’s do our part to reduce the number of deaths and accidents on our roads this National Transport Month.
Find out now how you can improve road safety in your business- https://safetycloud.co.za/driver-training/