The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has called on all road users to strictly adhere to traffic regulations, cautioning that failure to do so may result in severe consequences, including brain injuries, orthopaedic trauma, paralysis, or even loss of life during the festive season.
“Not respecting the rules of the road can lead to severe and devastating consequences. Our work heightens our awareness of the distress that typically follows motor vehicle accidents. The RAF urges all road users to respect traffic rules to save lives,” RAF Acting Chief Executive Officer Radikwena Phora said.
During the 2024 festive season, the four most common types of motor vehicle accidents were pedestrian incidents, hit-and-run collisions, single-vehicle overturns, and head-on crashes.
The RAF registered a total of 65 732 new claims in the 2024/2025 period. These claims included requests for loss of support, medical compensation, loss of earnings, general damages, and funeral expenses.
“All road users must remember that road safety starts with individual responsibility. Drivers should ensure their vehicles and tyres are in good condition. Children under the age of seven years must be adequately strapped in a child restraint seat, while older children and the remaining occupants of the car must always wear seatbelts.
“It is also crucial to avoid consuming alcohol or using drugs while driving. Additionally, pedestrians should wear bright coloured clothing at night,” he said.
Preventing road crashes is a key focus of the RAF’s road safety strategy, a secondary objective of the Fund.
In the previous financial year (2024/2025), the organisation installed 119 speed humps, speed rumbles, and pedestrian crossings near 23 schools located in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape.
The areas were selected from statistics indicating the highest number of crash fatalities and serious injuries.
“Defensive driving training was provided to 986 bus, truck, and taxi drivers and to 604 school transport drivers across the country. Additionally, 360 unemployed youth were granted learner's licenses, driving licenses, and Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs).
“Other road safety initiatives included promoting cyclist safety, supporting scholar patrols, and facilitating youth projects. The insight-driven efforts aim to improve road user behaviour and reduce the trauma caused by road crashes,” RAF said. -SAnews.gov.za
