Implementation of Periodic Vehicle Testing as already provided for in legislation; enforcement of stricter controls on salvage vehicles and the promotion of more regular vehicle maintenance have been highlighted by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) as three key measures to improve road safety following the release of the festive season road safety statistics by the Transport Minister on Monday, 20 January 2024.
The 2024 stats reveal an unacceptable increase in road fatalities and serious accidents, with more than 1,500 people losing their lives on our national roads and marks a 5.3% year-on-year increase in fatalities compared to the 2023/2024 festive season, with a 4.2% rise in the number of crashes.
The RMI, as the leading voice in the automotive aftermarket sector with 8 200 members representing more than 170,000 employees through its eight associations supports Minister Creecy’s call for immediate action to address this crisis.
Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO strategy and corporate support for the RMI, highlights the critical need for a collective shift in driver behaviour and stricter enforcement of road safety measures. "Beyond ongoing educational campaigns to change driving behaviour, we believe more must be done, particularly regarding vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness," Mabusela asserts. Through its advocacy for regular vehicle maintenance, periodic testing, and adherence to industry standards, the RMI is committed to promoting safer driving conditions and reducing road accidents.
Vehicle maintenance as a lifesaving measure
With more South Africans keeping their vehicles longer, regular maintenance is essential. Neglecting vehicle upkeep can lead to mechanical failures, contributing to road accidents. Mabusela stresses, "Proper vehicle care is a proactive step towards preventing avoidable incidents. Drivers must ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before hitting the road."
This becomes even more critical considering the lack of a regular testing regime for 79% of the vehicle population. In South Africa, private vehicles are only tested for roadworthiness upon change of ownership. Vehicles used for reward, such as taxis and trucks, undergo annual tests, while buses are tested every six months. "As a result, approximately 13 million vehicles, mainly motor cars and station wagons, do not undergo regular testing. Only about 21% of our total vehicle population is regularly tested. In countries where this regime has been implemented, ensuring vehicle safety and roadworthiness on a periodic basis, the data proves testing has contributed positively towards the curtailing of road accidents and ultimately, injuries and fatalities,” Mabusela explains.
Concerns over unsafe salvage vehicles
Another pressing safety issue is the increasing number of salvage vehicles returning to the roads without adequate safety checks and without a comprehensive accident history. The lack of a complete vehicle history from cradle to grave hinders industry efforts to establish transparency and disclosure, opening the doors to a safer mobility solution that benefits all stakeholders and builds confidence within the automotive value chain.
The RMI will renew its call for the government to implement stricter controls, including legislation to define and regulate the Code status of vehicles. This information could then be uploaded and housed on existing platforms, ensuring a safer road environment.
The RMI stands ready to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to enhance road safety measures. Mabusela concludes, "We must adopt a holistic approach to road safety, incorporating regular vehicle inspections, stringent law enforcement, and comprehensive driver education. This is the only way to turn the tide on road fatalities and make our roads safer for all."