We all know that South Africa’s roads are a very dangerous, but a new study shows that the country actually has the most dangerous roads in the world.
The analysis by Zutobi factored in criteria such as the number of road deaths as well as maximum speed limits and the number of people who wear a seatbelt, to calculate a score out of 10. South Africa fared the worst here, with an overall score of just 3.23, followed by Thailand (4.35), the United States (5.09) and well as India and Argentina (both tied at 5.10).
Thailand actually records the most deaths per 100 000 of the population, at 32.7, while South Africa follows in second place with 25.9 deaths. SA is followed by Malaysia (23.6), India (22.6) and China (18.2). The US, by contrast, records just 12.4 deaths per 100K.
World’s safest countries
Norway emerged as the world’s safest country in which to drive, with an overall score of 8.21. They were followed by Japan (7.89), Sweden (7.87), Estonia (7.84) and Iceland (7.81).
Some tips for a safer journey
“The research highlights the countries who excel in road safety, as well as the ones that need drastic improvements. However, no matter where you’re driving, there are some universal tips you can follow to increase your safety,” said Zutobi co-founder Lucas Waldenback.
“Firstly, limit distractions. You’re 23 times more likely to have an accident when using your phone whilst driving, so make sure you put it away! This will enable you to be fully aware of your surroundings, which is another important factor of road safety.
“From obeying road signs and traffic lights, to respecting cyclists and looking out for pedestrians, being aware of your surroundings can prevent a large number of accidents from occurring.”
“Finally, ensure you know the laws and limits of the country you’re driving in. Speed limits are there for a reason and they shouldn’t be surpassed. It is also vital that your vehicle has regular professional inspections to ensure it is deemed safe to drive. We also recommend keeping equipment such as a warning triangle, hi-vis vest and a first aid kit in case any accidents do occur.”
Photo: Archive