In 2022, 42% of the 12 436 deaths on South Africa’s roads were pedestrians; while in 2021, 41% of all road deaths were pedestrians. This is according to a Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) report.
Responding to this alarming trend, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has embarked on a crucial mission to raise awareness and caution among pedestrians in KwaZulu-Natal, urging them to exercise greater care while using the local roads.
On Wednesday, 27 September 2023, a dedicated team from the RAF set out to engage with pedestrians in Newcastle, advocating for enhanced road safety practices.
Phililie Sambo, Communications Marketing Officer from the RAF Durban Office, outlined the motivation behind the RAF’s outreach efforts across towns in KZN.
Sambo stressed the need to educate the public about road safety, especially in light of the concerning number of pedestrian casualties documented by the RTMC. This year, designated as the “Year of the Claimant” by the RAF, is centred on empowering individuals with information about road safety and guiding them on the necessary steps to approach the RAF when needed.
Acknowledging the multifaceted factors contributing to the high pedestrian casualty rate, Sambo said, “People are not always educated on road safety, and alcohol also plays a big role. So we are trying to educate people on basic road safety, while encouraging people to avoid using the roads when drinking,” emphasised Sambo.
Another significant concern highlighted by Sambo was the increasing number of pedestrians, particularly the younger generation, using earphones while walking.
She underscored that this practice impedes their ability to hear oncoming traffic or vehicle hooters. Additionally, jaywalking and disregard for oncoming traffic while crossing the road were identified as problematic behaviours, a problem Newcastillian motorists are all too familiar with.
In light of these issues, Sambo urged individuals to consider their families and make responsible choices while using local roads. Changing mindsets is seen as pivotal in effectively addressing road safety concerns, especially with the holiday season approaching.
Following their initiatives in Newcastle, the RAF team is scheduled to visit Dundee on Thursday, 28 September 2023, before proceeding to Nquthu and then Msinga.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this pressing issue in the comments section below.
2 Responses
This is so is such a big problem in Newcastle. Too many people just walk randomly across streets. They may cause accidents or injure themselves. Do the pedestrians have a death wish? It is about time someone said something about this. Thanks
It’s about time something is being done about this. The next step is urinating in public, this disgusting act needs to be dealt with also.