Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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Every day of the last month 40 or more people ended their lives on our roads. The media are paying attention now, but in a week or two there will be new interests. Forty people a day will continue to die on our roads.
We worry about aeroplanes but every single week a full jumbo jet of people die on our roads. Its carnage out there – and we aren’t talking about the “lucky ones” – who just get an arm or leg ripped off or are blinded or suffer brain damage. This is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to drive in and it’s only a wonder that more people don’t cite our roads when emigrating than crime.
It is so much easier to protect yourself against crime than it is against reckless and drunk drivers and unsafe vehicles. Poor driving skills and horribly unroadworthy vehicles have combined in a developing nation to leave blood on the roads – every day and every night, 365 days a year. The truth is the Government gave up on the roads a long time ago – which is precisely why they cut the the Road Accident Fund benefits – they saw a situation spiralling out of control and the cheapest option was simply to reduce compensation for those injured or left behind without support when loved ones die. And guess what? Further changes loom ahead with further proposals reducing even further the limited compensation paid. I guess government knows the death toll will continue to spiral.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Monday 07-Jan-13
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Comments
cherise said:
on Monday 14-Jan-13 09:09 AM
People tend to drive so reckless because they really think driving like a fool with get them to their destination faster and that will make the biggest difference in their lifes.
People really need to stop under estimating the dangerous of drinking and driving, driving tired, reckless and just not knowing how to drive properly it in dangers not only your own life but others around you too.
Alexis said:
on Thursday 10-Jan-13 07:37 AM
Everyone is always in such a rush to get somewhere and don't care for one anothers safety. We had someone overtake us on the left hand side, another car that swerved right in front of us, way to close for comfort. People are irresponsible and most should not have a lisence
Yolandi said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 04:54 PM
Apparently more than 800 deaths have occurred on South-African roads this festive season. I’m sure speeding as well as drinking and driving contributed heavily to this.
Joyce said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 04:30 PM
I also agree it is not easier to protect yourself against reckless and drunk drivers and unsafe vehicles cause a drunk driver can suddenly drive on a wrong lane opposite an innocent driver and makes a u-turn infrom of another car where ever it suits him/her and kills people on road
Helen said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 01:23 PM
Terrible to hear that 40 people are dying every day on South African roads. And I do not really want to call myself after each driving the "lucky one". If we want to be save on the roads we should not only to drive our car, try to prognose next steps all other cars around us. Drive slowly and save.
Genevieve said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 12:41 PM
Truth is, a lot of people are responsible and don't drink and drive, but there will always be a few that just don't care... One has to always have a plan B when driving, you have to think in advance. What if this guy swerves, which is the better option for me to go to avoid the accident and cause the least amount of damage. It is so sad that you fear your life on our roads every single day. Like Brenda said, I also don't think anything will change this.
Robyn said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 12:29 PM
In my experience I've actually come to realise that a lot of people dont' drink and drive anymore. I'm talking about people that I know personally. So to me, this has improved which is great.
Sarah said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 12:13 PM
This holiday I saw more accidents than I wanted to see. Just people don't care about stop streets or robots anymore. I agree with Dune people should think about everyone on the roads.
Caron said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 11:57 AM
WHAT! Further compensation reductions...
Brenda said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 11:47 AM
This is a sad fact and yes, there is not a day that goes by, that i don't wonder if there will be some "bad driver" on the road. I have become so much more alert on the road, but the fear is still there! Will the car behind me stop on time! Will that car stop when the traffic light changes! Did that guy see the stop sign! All these questions run through your mind while on the road, because the reality is, people just don't take care on the roads anymore! I have had so many "close calls" its scary! And to be honest, I don't think anything will change regarding this!
Jessica said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 11:41 AM
There is a way to bring down the dangers on the roads and that is called POINT SYSTEM. If they had to bring that in like America and nearly every other place you will see the huge improvement. Think about it what kind of punishment do negligent drivers get in S.A.? sweet nothing just their insurance covers the things. But if we had the point system then people would not be in a rush to drink and drive or speed reason being if you get your drivers license suspended it would be a huge wake up call. I really do think people would think twice then.
Tans said:
on Monday 07-Jan-13 10:34 AM
I remember once reading an article in the Economist Magazine, in which they stated that some of the world’s most dangerous roads are in South Africa. Very disturbing statistics were quoted, which was done by the South Africa’s Medical Research Council, indicating that 61% of pedestrians and 59% of the drivers killed in traffic accidents, were over the legal alcohol limit. Combine the alcohol intake with the terrible road conditions, and you have a perfect recipe for disaster. From a public health perspective, and in general, the most effective means to deal with public health problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Preventing road traffic accidents from occurring negates the need for expensive healthcare interventions or silly RAF amendments. I think that it is high time that the responsible people in government should shape-up or shift-out!
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
