Safekids World Wide Injury Prevention Conference Date: Thursday, 20 June 2013 SOUTH AFRICAN SAFETY CULTURE IN CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY

2 CONTENTS BACKGROUND THE CURRENT STATUS LEGISLATION THE PROBLEM THE SOLUTIO N

3 SOUTH AFRICA – THE DYNAMICS INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK Lead Agency Funded in national budget Road Traffic Management Corporation Yes National road safety strategy Measurable targets Funded Under Review Developed Yes Population: 51.8 million Income Group : Middle Gross national income per capita: R2 751 Mortality rate: 28/ pn NATIONAL LEGISLATION RTMC ACTYes NRTA -seatbelt legislation Yes, but does not enforce use of child restraint

4 SOUTH AFRICA-THE DYNAMICS  SA a fledging democracy with unique challenges-  socio-economic   Multi-cultural, multi-religious society  Eleven official languages  Varying levels of literacy  Poorly developed public transport,Scholar transport infrastructure Majority transported in informal public transport over long distances 80% of population rely on public transport Majority walk lonf distances to school o Crossing major/arterial routes

5 CURRENT STATUS More than fatalities p/a Cost of road injuries/fatalities is approx R306 billion p/a Very few awareness programmes on CPS Long journeys/peak traffic season: roughly 65% of front seat less than 2% of rear passengers Stats for shorter, local journeys even more dismal. Most fatal crashes happen 40km from home

6 CURRENT STATUS  Affluent and literate families most likely to use child restraints  Less affluent mainly use informal public transport in the form of minibus taxis and pick-up trucks which are likely are likely to be overloaded  Child restraints ranges between R500-R3000

7 LEGISLATION NATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC ACT, 93 of 1996 The seatbelt legislation under regulation 213- An adult is a person over the age of 14 years or taller than 1.5m and A child is a person between the age of 3 years and 14 years, except if taller than 1.5m `no legal requirement for child > 3yrs to wear child restraint The driver of a motor vehicle shall ensure that a child uses an appropriate child restraint; or wears the seatbelt if an unoccupied seat which is fitted with a seatbelt is available. BUT WHERE THERE IS NO SEAT WITH A SEATBELT,THE DRIVER SHALL ENSURE THAT THE CHILD IS SEATED ON THE REAR SEAT, (IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A REAR SEAT!! )

8 THE PROBLEM? Traffic mix does not allow for usage of child restraints ` Little or no enforcement of correct seating position and use of child restraints(2/10) `Law enforcers not examplary `ambuiguity about enforcement of safety measures `very few awareness programmes Non compliance to rules and regulations ` inadequate restraint laws for children `not necessary for short distance mentality `wont get a ticket-will bribe `age appropriate child restraint not used Lack of examplary behaviour by parents ` Adults don’t buckle up `poor adherence to basic safety measures

9 THE PROBLEM? Personal choice not to use child restraints ` child seats too much of a hassle `indifference of drivers to ensure the safety of passengers `children don’t like restraints “Act of love” ` children on parents laps `children on the drivers laps `children assisting with driving Socio-economic situation `High unemployment rate and poverty `Usage of public transport to travel `Large families- therefore not practical to use child restraints `Bakkies-Vans used as passenger transport esp-rural areas

10 THE SOLUTION Enforcement Education Environmental modifications Engineering Integrated approach

11 Contact details of presenter: Ms Mampe Kumalo A/Executive Manager: Road Safety Education and Campaigns Road Traffic Management Corporation South Africa (+27) (+27)