Decade of Action in South Africa

The Decade of Action for Road Safety was officially launched in South Africa by the Minister of Transport on 11 May 2011, with the support of the Automobile Association of South Africa.

To meet the Decade’s goals to reduce road fatalities and injuries by 50% over the next ten years, South Africa has committed itself to tackling key risk factors such as speeding and drink-driving, and aims to promote increased seatbelt usage (including child restraints).  The other vital areas which need improvement are emergency trauma care, road and vehicle standards, road safety education and road safety management. 

In South Africa, the burden of road crashes represents close to 3% of GDP.  The estimated cost of collisions per annum is R 145 billion – three times more compared to 2007.  Around 14,000 people are killed every year (on average 40 per day).  25 people on average are permanently disabled daily due to road crashes.

The Department of Transport is currently considering lowering the alcohol limit for drivers, and introducing compulsory daytime running lights and compulsory periodic vehicle testing – all of which are supported and initiated by the AA.

A new and revised National Road Safety Strategy has been developed together with support for Provincial Road Safety Strategies.  All that needs to be done now is to define and implement appropriate projects to meet the strategic goals which have been set out.  The AA will be hosting a meeting of road safety specialists early in June with the intent of getting this process started.