As recently as last month South Africa bagged the title of ‘Best Country’ in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards.

But unfortunately, this accolade does not extend to our driving because a recent Compare the Market study found South Africans to be the worst drivers when compared to 19 other developing and developed countries.

News of road fatalities often make the headlines. During the 2023 Easter long weekend alone, 225 lives were claimed by road accidents.

Understanding some of the factors behind this worrying trend is the first step towards remediation.

Infrastructure is not up to scratch in most parts of the country

Poor road infrastructure and maintenance, especially in rural areas, is a big problem.

Last year the then minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, referred to the national roads’ continuing deterioration as an 'intractable challenge' that South Africa is facing.

According to Mbalula, 40 percent of the provincial network has reached the end of its design life, and approximately 80 percent of the national road network is now older than its 20-year design life.

Transport options not accessible to all

High levels of poverty and inequality, limited access to safe and affordable transport options, and infrastructure in general is also not meeting the need..

There is a high exposure of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who account for more than half of the road fatalities.

Most South Africans use minibus taxis as the most affordable and convenient form of transport, however the local taxi culture has a bad reputation itself, riddled with multiple reports of bad driving due to inflated competition in the market.

Relatively lax traffic laws

South African traffic laws need to be more strictly enforced. Drivers who don't maintain the speed limit, wear their seat belts, or use indicators, for example, need to be fined en-masse.

Officials need to demonstrate the consequences of not abiding by the rules.

Actions like tailgating, or cutting off other drivers without warning are examples of ‘small’ offenses that can cause chaos and confusion on the road, and increases the risk of collisions and injuries.

Looking at a better, safer future

Last year, the government announced that it was working on new smart licenses expected to be piloted from October 2023, and appears to be a step in the right direction. The new card will also be valid for eight years instead of five.

Head of digitally-based motor insurer MiWay Blink, Keletso Mpisane welcomed the introduction of the new smart driver’s license card and said that the improved safety features will lead to safer roads.

“The new driver’s license card will have improved security features, like biometric data, holograms and watermarks, to reduce fraudulent licenses and improve road safety. It’s also encouraging that they are in line with international safety standards,” she said.

The drivers’ culture is not ‘sharp sharp’

Lastly, but most significantly, South African drivers need to make a collective mind shift around safe driving habits.

Many drivers have a superiority complex on the road, and do not respect other drivers or road users, according to Mpisane.

Adding that, “they often drive for fun or thrill, and in many cases recklessly, rather than for necessity or responsibility.

“It’s every driver’s responsibility to adhere to the rules and regulations of the road, not only for their own safety but for the safety of other road users as well.”