Stricter traffic regulations in Western Cape welcomed to reduce accidents

The Western Cape is proposing even more stringent traffic regulations, including reducing all speed limits by 10 kmh and harsher penalties for those who don’t comply with current rules whilst children are in the vehicle, in a bid to reduce the number of f

Helen Szemerei, CEO at IntegriSure, says she welcomes the tougher measures in the Western Cape Provincial Road Traffic Bill as a necessary move in order to assist in reducing the number of deaths on South Africa’s roads. “Speeding among drivers is often associated with alcohol but most commonly is seen in younger male drivers, hence the higher number of road fatalities in this bracket. Younger drivers often believe they are immune to the dangers on the roads.

“From a logical perspective, a reduction in the speed limit should see a decrease in serious fatalities given that drivers are travelling at a slower speed and thus are more in control of the vehicle.”

Minister Robin Carlisle said the provincial government is considering the reduction of all speed limits throughout the province by 10kmh. In addition, it is also looking into mandatory 40kmh and 30kmh zones for shops, schools and areas of high pedestrian concentration.

Regarding the feasibility of a reduction in speed limits, Szemerei says there is a need for punitive measures to be enforced. “Firstly, we need to ensure that we are equipped with the appropriate resources to introduce such legislation and secondly, that we have the ability to enforce it should it come into place.”

“Enforcement or lack thereof, is one of the biggest contributing factors as to whether new legislation will be successful. Should the legislation come into place but not be effectively enforced then the lowering of the speed limit would little impact whatsoever,” says Szemerei.

Other measures being proposed include introducing an additional offence for reckless behaviour with children in the vehicle, such as speeding, drunk driving or cellphone use, with the penalties increasing exponentially should the child not be correctly restrained. “We particularly welcome any proposals that put the safety of children first. It is critical that motorists not only stop speeding but also drunk driving and using a cellphone whilst driving. However, when a child is involved, there is absolutely no excuse for such behaviour and the toughest punitive measures should be enforced.”

Szemerei says the rest of South Africa should also take note of these developments, as any success in reducing accidents in the Western Cape could see the same being rolled out to other provinces. “The Western Cape has proven very progressive in terms of implementing such initiatives. In July, a new bylaw was passed enabling traffic police to confiscate cell phones being used by motorists without a hands-free kit as well as fine them up R500 for their first offence and up to R2 000 for subsequent offences.”

“If such proposed regulations are promulgated and result in fewer claims being paid due to a decrease in the number of accidents, this should ultimately have a positive impact on motorists’ insurance premiums. A reduction in road traffic accidents will mean fewer claims, enabling insurance premiums to stabilize or perhaps even decrease in the future,” concludes Szemerei.