4 YOUNG LIVES LOST DAILY

SA – Every year, far too many young lives are lost on South Africa’s roads. According to data from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), an average of 1,288 school-going children aged 5 to 19 lose their lives annually in road accidents. This alarming figure translates to approximately four fatalities every single day and over 100 deaths each month — a heartbreaking reality that demands immediate action from all road users.

From 2019 to 2023, 60% of these tragic fatalities involved children struck by vehicles as pedestrians. Another 36% were passengers, while 2% were cyclists, and 2% drivers. These numbers highlight the urgent need for road users to reflect on their behaviour and take responsibility for ensuring the safety of children on the roads.

“South African road users must stay alert. Your actions can profoundly impact human lives, particularly those of our future leaders,” says RAF chief executive officer, Collins Letsoalo. “Let us be a nation moved by the loss of human lives and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. After all, 88% of all road crashes are due to human factors.”

Motor vehicle accidents are often caused by preventable behaviours such as texting while driving, eating behind the wheel, or overtaking recklessly. Parents and guardians are urged to teach children proper road safety practices and to remain vigilant for reckless drivers.