A report compiled by Zutobi, an online driver education platform, is displaying South African roads in a negative light again. The report says the country has the most dangerous roads on which to drive in the world. Many are likely not surprised about this most inauspicious position but what qualifies us for this spot?
While drivers may want to blame the ‘other’ for this, the data this conclusion is drawn from should encourage all drivers to assess their own responsibility. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “The report uses a rating system based on the estimated number of road deaths, reported in Global Health Observatory data. This, however, is not the only data informing the ranking.
“Factors such as seat belt usage rates, alcohol-related fatalities and maximum speed limits also form part of the rating system. With this is mind, what role do you play in creating dangerous roads? How many times have you driven without ensuring rear passengers are buckled up, gotten behind the wheel after drinking or exceeded the maximum speed limit?”
It is past time that South Africans critically assess their own role in ranking as the most dangerous country in which to drive. “Until we can honestly assess our own role, we cannot hold other entities to account. These are critical questions we should be asking ourselves.
“International statistics estimate that between 93 and 97% of crashes are due to driver error. Following the 2024/2025 Festive Season, our Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, said 87% of crashes were caused by factors such as jaywalking, fatigue, loss of control over vehicles, speed, drunk driving and dangerous overtaking. The real number is likely much higher as this figure is based on only offenders who were caught.”
The data revealed in the report is, however, limited in many respects. “Unfortunately, South Africa is the only African country in the report and 143 countries were left out of the survey. We take this report in a very serious light and readily agree the situation is dire, but we also need to take note that the data is from various sources, some of which we know to be notoriously unreliable.
“Thus, while lessons can be learnt, it also creates an inadequate picture of the situation. While some citizens may be left unsurprised others may be questioning how South Africa is worse than countries with political instability like Ukraine or major economic issues like South Sudan. This is because neither was in the study.
While the data should not be dismissed all together, there is potential to learn much more than what is currently available. “It emphasises the need to gather accurate data for a more comprehensive understanding of worldwide road safety success and challenges,” says Herbert.
Read more MasterTips
