The most dangerous country to drive in is…

Where around 95% of front passengers in the safest countries wore seatbelts, not even one third of South African front passengers wear seatbelts. Photo: Motorpress

In a recent study conducted by Zutobi Drivers Ed, it was found
that South Africa is the world’s most unsafe country in which to drive.

The
study based their findings on various factors, such as the number of deaths on
the roads, maximum speed limits, and the number of people who wear a seat-belt,
to give South Africa the most infamous position.

The Road Safety Partnership (RSP) South Africa says while it is common knowledge that road deaths in
South Africa are disproportionately high, the results of this study are
concerning.

“While we already have the notorious reputation of 25.9 people per
100 000 dying in a car accident, gaining another reputation as the most
dangerous place to drive is something the country should work to change.

The reason for the country’s position in the study is that we have the second highest number of deaths per 100 000 people and a high ratio of crashes that involved alcohol. Photo: Motorpress

“In the results of the study, South Africa did not actually have
the highest number of road traffic deaths. The reason for the country’s
position in the study is that we have the second highest number of deaths per
100 000 people and a high ratio of crashes that involved alcohol.”

Interestingly, many of South Africa’s road regulations are on
par with the countries considered the safest places to drive. “The maximum
speed limit is similar to the top five safest countries and the maximum blood
alcohol concentration (BAC) is slightly higher or the same as these countries
as well.

“The biggest difference was seen was in the number of people
wearing safety belts. Where around 95% of front passengers in the safest
countries wore seatbelts, not even one third of South African front passengers
wear seatbelts. Additionally, even though the BAC is similar to many countries,
the number of crashes involving drunk drivers was higher indicating a lack of
respect for road regulation in South Africa.”

Something positive
can be drawn from the study.

“Much of what caused South Africa to become the
most unsafe country in which to drive are things that can be changed. The study
should motivate drivers to change the behaviour that resulted in South Africa
becoming the most unsafe place to drive according to this study,” says the RSP.

Issued by Motorpress