The Road Accident Fund has expressed concerns over the payouts directed to the youth, which indicates negligence on their side. 

RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo said accident claims by young people between the ages of 15 and 34 from 2020 to 2022 accounted for a staggering 44%. "The youth will have to change their behaviour when utilising the roads. In the same period, the RAF paid a total of R43.13 billion for injury benefits to young accident survivors between the ages of 15 and 34," he said. RAF explained that there is an average of R14.37 billion per year. "Additionally, a total of R2.86 billion was paid over the same period for death-related benefits, at an average of R956 million per year, "said Letsoalo.

He has characterised the youth by high levels of mobility and risk-taking behaviour, which is unfortunately overly displayed in road accident statistics. " The RAF observed that the average number of youth-related claims registered per year across the three-year period was 21.475. The average amount per youth-related claim was R2,568,595 over the same period. Furthermore, 63% of claims registered over this period were for males, 36% were for females, and 1% were unknown."

Recently, the RAF reported that the estimated number of young people who died on South African roads was 13 963 out of 34 946 fatalities. This translates to an annual average of 4,654 fatalities in the age group of 15 to 34, compared to the total average of 11,649. Most young road users that died in this period were pedestrians (38%), followed by passengers (35%). "We are deeply concerned by the high number of claims from young people," Letsoalo said. According to Letsoalo, these alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for young people and all road users to change their behaviour and prioritise road safety. "We must instill a culture of safe driving and responsible road use. The RAF has several targeted road safety education and awareness campaigns aimed at youth. A comprehensive road safety programme for learners and youth was launched in 2023 among other education and awareness programmes, community engagements, and collaborations with the Department of Transport, "he said.

WHAT RAF PAYS FOR 

Letsoalo explained that most road accidents occur during the night, an even greater threat in winter when the nights are longer. "The RAF urges all road users to adhere to the rules of the road and avoid risky behaviours. Risky behaviours include wearing dark clothes when using the road after sunset, texting and walking, texting and driving, and using headphones while on the road. RAF injury benefits that road crash survivors can claim for are loss of earnings, general damages, past medical expenses, and future medical expenses. Death benefits cover funeral expenses and loss of support for the deceased and their families.