Car Accidents

Car accidents of various kinds leave 42 people dead and 23 permanently disabled in South Africa every day. South Africans are involved in more than 800 000 accidents per year. Our figures are the third worst in the world per capita. In the under 18 age group, road accidents are the second highest cause of accidental death.

In March 2008, there were almost 380 000 unroadworthy and/or unlicensed vehicles on South African roads. A significant number of these are minibus taxis, which are involved in more than 10% of all accidents, yet make out about 4% of the South African vehicle park. Taxis transport roughly 60% of commuters per day and accidents involving these vehicles usually leave many people dead and/or injured. Many of the older taxis have inadequate restraint systems and it has been shown that most passengers do not use their seatbelts.

It has lead to minibus taxis being called “coffins on wheels” and has sparked a Government overhaul of the industry and plans for public rapid transit systems, which have been vehemently opposed by taxi bosses. Taxis are a reality in South Africa and many commuters have little choice, as the rest of the public transport infrastructure is inadequate.

Poor driver discipline is partly to blame for the high number of deaths and injuries. Seatbelt usage is still under 20% for drivers, under 12% for front passenger and under 2% for rear passengers. Drunken driving is rife and road rage frequent.

Modern cars are designed to withstand car accidents much better and the statistics would certainly have looked worse without this important advance. In a few years’ time, very few new cars will not have ABS brakes and at least one airbag. However, the average age of the local car park is still high as many old – and unsafe – cars are kept in circulation.

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• South Africa Road Safety
• Car Accidents
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