In the last five years, 1,288 learners aged 5 to 19 have died on the roads. According to the Road Accident Fund, this is equivalent to approximately four fatalities per day and over 100 deaths each month.

PEDESTRIAN LEARNERS ARE AFFECTED MORE

In a statement, the RAF indicated that from 2019 to 2023, 60% of the fatalities involved learners who lost their lives in car accidents as pedestrians, 36% were passengers, while cyclists and drivers accounted for 2% each. "The Road Accident Fund therefore urges all road users to do an introspection about their attitude towards road safety and take conscious steps to save young lives. Motor vehicle accidents are often caused by mindless acts such as glancing at one's phone, eating while driving or crossing over a solid line before it ends," RAF said in the statement. The fund also encouraged parents and guardians to educate and demonstrate to their children the correct and courteous way of using the roads and be on the lookout for reckless drivers to avoid fatalities attributable to these kinds of actions. 

ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY HUMAN FACTOR

RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo pleaded with road users to stay alert at all times as their actions can profoundly impact human lives, particularly those of children. He said 88% of all road crashes are due to human factors. " "Let us be a nation that is moved by the loss of human lives and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents,' he said. Letsoalo added that the fund will continue educating, creating awareness, and advocating for the responsible and safe use of the roads throughout the year. "The fund works with local traffic departments to provide the necessary training and monitoring of Scholar Patrol volunteers. The program aims to increase road safety awareness among school-going children and reduce crashes involving this target group."