IN a recent study conducted by Zutobi Drivers Ed, an international driver’s education company, it was found that South Africa is the world’s most unsafe country in which to drive.
Road Safety Partnership South Africa (RSP) says that while it is common knowledge that road deaths in South Africa are disproportionately high, the results of this study are concerning.
‘While we already have the notorious reputation of 25,9 people per 100 000 dying in a car accident, gaining another reputation as the most dangerous place to drive in is something the country should work to change.’
Interestingly, many of South Africa’s road regulations are on par with the countries considered the safest places to drive.
‘The maximum speed limit is similar to the top five safest countries and the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is slightly higher or the same as these countries as well.
‘The biggest difference was seen in the number of people wearing safety belts. Where around 95 per cent of front passengers in the safest countries wore seatbelts, not even one third of South African front passengers wear seatbelts.
‘Additionally, even though the BAC is similar to many countries, the number of crashes involving drunk drivers was higher, indicating a lack of respect for road regulation in South Africa.’
Source: MOTORPRESS
- This article was first published in the May 13, 2021 print edition of Muslim Views.
