According to the Automobile Association (AA), many South Africans do not have a driving licence, can’t afford public transport and are forced to walk wherever they need to be.
“Many of these pedestrians don’t always follow the rules of the road and the results are often catastrophic,” says the AA.
In January the Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters noted that up to 35% of all fatalities on the country’s roads during the December 2015 festive period were pedestrians.
“We find too often that pedestrians don’t understand the dangers they pose to themselves and other road users by running across busy highways and roads as well as not being visible enough to motorists,” the AA says.
“Road safety needs to begin at a young age and it needs to include education on how to be a safer pedestrian.”
The AA adds although it is illegal to walk on national highways (except under certain conditions such as when your car has broken down), enforcement of this law is poor, leading to risks and danger.
“While we understand there is a need for people to make a living, there is also a need for safety.
“We call on government to be more conscious of people walking on highways where they are placing themselves and motorists in danger.”
The AA says it is important for motorists to adapt to the conditions they are driving in and to always be aware of their surroundings.
Further tips to ensure better road safety for motorists and pedestrians are:
• Pedestrians may be distracted by electronic devices, making them unpredictable.
• There will be more pedestrians in built-up areas, so be vigilant.
• Schools are especially dangerous as children often don’t think about the traffic as much as they should.
• Take care when passing a taxi or a bus as passengers may be disembarking and may not be aware of oncoming traffic.
• Follow the rules of the road, pay attention and drive to the conditions of the road you are on.
Pedestrians, too, should ensure their own safety.
Some tips for pedestrians include:
• Make yourself as visible as possible. Consider wearing reflective gear.
• Don’t walk or cross national highways or roads.
• Don’t use electronic devices while walking, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
• Don’t drink or use drugs before walking on the road.
• Don’t gamble with your safety by trying to run through traffic, as at some point you will lose.
“We are again urging every road user in South Africa, be they motorists, motorbike riders, cyclists, or pedestrians to ensure their own safety by following the rules of the road and not to take chances with their lives, because their actions impact on others,” the AA says.
