1. Transport Portfolio Committee
Department of Transport
ROAD SAFETY
ISSUES AND SECURITY
Transport Portfolio Committee
MAY 2006
Wendy Watson
Chief Director: Land Transport Regulation

2. Outline of presentation
The Challenge
SA situation
Background
Strategic Imperatives
International perspectives
Vision
Proposed Actions
Management
Institutional Reform
Road Environment
Driver Fitness
Vehicle Fitness
Pedestrians
Targets
And
Outcomes

3. Context: Government responses
2001: Road to Safety: Long term strategy iro enabling environment, physical programs and institutions
1997: Short term strategies, reactive
Eg. Arrive Alive / Tourist Bus Accident Package / Operation Juggernaut / Patrol vehicle project
2006: Consideration of
Incorporating international
Models to improve Road to Safety
program

4. Context
Road traffic safety affects every citizen and remains a public interest issue
Road traffic safety levels in South Africa are unsatisfactory and unacceptable
Cost of accidents +/-R40 billion in 2005, as well as immeasurable pain & suffering. 38 deaths (3 taxi related, 16 pedestrian), 21 disabling injuries and 125 serious injuries every day.

5. Traffic volumes and vehicle ownership increases year-on-year.

6. The rate of deaths per 100 million vehicle kilometres dropped between 2002 and 2004, but increased in 2005.

7. Summary & Overview - results
There was a slight increase of 1.23% in the number of fatal road crashes from 973 accidents in December 2003 to 985 in December The increase in December 2005 was 19.8%.
There has been an increase in traffic volumes of 12%, and an increase in vehicle registration of around 7% in 2006
The first four months of 2006 showed an increase in fatal crashes and fatalities measured over This is predictable and relates to increased traffic volumes and number of vehicles on the road.

8. What has been achieved since 2003?
Improved training of traffic officers, general syllabus and trained in hazardous goods control.
Highway patrol of 120 vehicles.
Emotive television and radio campaign reaching 97% of people in SA.
SIU contract to investigate drivers licenses.
Tender for feasibility study into Periodic Vehicle Testing
Establishment of RTMC
National Call Centre established and functional.
Statistics booklets published – two editions.

9. Achievements continued
Legislative and regulatory changes made to NRTA
National Law Enforcement Code nearly completed.
Incident Management Manual completed.
SANS code for bus drivers completed – SANS 10399
Inspections of DLTCs and VTS’s completed during year, and start made on registration of driving schools.
New PrDP qualifications being developed.