Stats from the USA are revealing that during 2020 not only were there other unusual increases in crashes and fatalities but there was also an almost 5% increase in pedestrian fatalities. This is despite a decrease in the kilometres travelled. As a result, The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is running safety initiatives to reduce the number of pedestrians killed on US roads.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says as South Africa is on the brink of the season during which pedestrians experience the highest fatality rate, it is worthwhile looking at the initiatives in the USA. “California is starting at the beginning by teaching children how to safely use the road and avoid collisions where possible. Connecticut’s safety program focuses on providing drivers with safety facts and tips that help with pedestrian collisions, particularly during Halloween. It is also increasing driver awareness of new state pedestrian safety laws implemented on 1 October.
“New Jersey is undertaking an educational programme, stepping up enforcement of laws meant to protect pedestrians on crosswalks and adding low-cost infrastructure. New Mexico has a ‘Safe Routes to School’ program encouraging more children to feel safe to walk or cycle to school. Similar initiatives are occurring throughout the USA.”
While there are pedestrian safety initiatives, South Africa tends to be more reactive to pedestrian fatalities on our own roads. “Many pedestrian safety initiatives occur once alarming pedestrian fatality rates are revealed during particular periods. South Africa should make pedestrian safety an ongoing issue receiving continual awareness and sharing of safety tips.
“Pedestrians tend to have the highest fatalities on our roads, whether during holiday seasons or overall. South Africa also needs to place more emphasis on pedestrian safety from the perspective of drivers. Unfortunately, our drivers tend to believe that only larger vehicles have a right to be on the road and that motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians have less right to be on the road and are often given less road respect.
South Africa is just two months away from the start of the traditional holiday season where, unfortunately, pedestrians often have the highest toad fatality rate. “As we head into this season, let’s pay more attention to our surroundings and give pedestrians the respect they deserve as equal road users. This includes taking extra precautions when it comes to pedestrians who overindulge in the holiday festivities. Do whatever you can to not contribute to the statistics this year,” says Herbert.
