Buckle up this Easter and other road safety tips
For the second consecutive year, South Africa has been ranked the most dangerous country for drivers, according to Zutobi’s global report The World’s Safest and Most Dangerous Roads. The country also holds the grim record for the highest rate of alcohol-related traffic deaths.
“This is particularly alarming as we head into the Easter long weekend – one of the busiest and most hazardous travel periods in South Africa, with reports suggesting there will be over a million vehicles on the road,” says Tarina Vlok, MD of Elite Risk Acceptances, a high-net-worth insurer and subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure.
With additional public holidays and extended school breaks throughout April, road traffic is expected to spike more as more families travel.
Key findings from the report reveal that South Africa has an estimated 24.5 road traffic deaths per 100,000 people. Alarmingly, only 31% of front-seat passengers are believed to wear seatbelts. While the country’s speed limit of 120km/h is only slightly higher than Norway’s 110km/h, Norway is ranked as the safest country to drive in—highlighting that speed limits alone do not account for South Africa’s unsafe driving culture.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing seatbelts and ensuring children are properly secured in age-appropriate car seats,” adds Vlok.
Here are top tips to stay safe on the roads this holiday period.
“Plan your journey carefully by resting every two hours to avoid fatigue. Before setting off, check that your vehicle is roadworthy—paying close attention to tyres, brakes, and lights. Drive cautiously, particularly on unfamiliar roads, and always adhere to speed limits. Be especially mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, as holiday towns—particularly along the coast—tend to be busier than usual. Practising defensive driving by anticipating reckless behaviour from other road users can go a long way in preventing accidents. Finally, never drive under the influence; even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgement and reaction time.”
Despite women accounting for 42% of the labour force in the world, they only hold about 32% of senior leadership positions, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report.
South Africa’s rare plant species, like the Clivia mirabilis, are facing unprecedented threats, with poaching driving an 80% decline in the population of this Succulent Karoo species within a year.
Insurance tips to protect your valuables this holiday season.