In the past five years, a staggering 43.5% of personal claims submitted to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) were from individuals aged 15-35, totaling 70,743 claims. Claimants under 15 years old filed an additional 15,227 claims, further highlighting the vulnerability of young people on our roads. These alarming figures underscore the need for increased road safety awareness and action.
Road accidents are a leading cause of death for young people, contributing to approximately 41% of all road fatalities, averaging 4,620 deaths annually. Young people are often injured or killed when not behind the wheel, as pedestrians (38%) or passengers (35%). From 2019 to 2023, 24,098 young people were tragically killed on South African roads in the 15 – 34 age groups.
RAF Head of Corporate Communications, McIntosh Polela, said: “The high number of young people injured and killed on our roads is deeply troubling. Human error is a major factor, and South Africans, especially the youth, must reflect on their behaviour and make better choices.”
Longer winter nights further increase the risk of accidents, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Road users should always wear reflective clothing, avoid distractions (including headphones), buckle up, and never drink and drive or walk.
Road safety is a personal responsibility. Let’s make a conscious effort to ensure our trips are safe and end successfully, not tragically.
