What SA can learn from Canada’s road safety success

New research from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safet (IIHS)y reveals a striking contrast: between 2011 and 2021, US road fatalities jumped 33% to 43 230 deaths, while Canada reduced deaths by 18% to 1 776 by 2020 - despite greater population growth and increased vehicle usage.

Canada's success stems from "overlapping layers of protection": comprehensive mobile phone bans, stricter seatbelt enforcement, and extensive speed camera networks under their Safe System framework, ensuring no single error proves fatal.

With approximately 14 000 annual road deaths (25 per 100 000 people versus Canada's 5 per 100 000), South Africa faces similar challenges Canada has conquered: distracted driving, poor seatbelt compliance, speeding, and drunk driving.

Canadian strategies show particular promise for South Africa. Canada reduced pedestrian and cyclist deaths by 17% while the USA saw 64% increases - crucial given South Africa's high number of vulnerable road users. Canada also achieved a 52% reduction in young driver fatalities through graduated licensing and stricter enforcement.

Most significantly, Canadian provinces impose administrative penalties for blood alcohol levels between 0.05-0.08%. Police can conduct roadside breath tests without suspicion, with refusal constituting a criminal offense. These measures could transform South Africa's drunk driving crisis.

South Africa faces implementation challenges: limited resources, vast rural coverage needs, and infrastructure gaps requiring substantial investment in enforcement capabilities and speed camera networks. However, statistical modelling suggests even partial implementation could prevent thousands of annual deaths.

Canada's achievement proves comprehensive road safety policies work across different contexts. The countries share similar challenges and cultural factors suggesting policy transferability. Canada's model provides a proven blueprint combining technology, enforcement, and education.

The critical question is not whether these measures could work – it is whether South Africa possesses the political will to implement them comprehensively. With proper implementation, South Africa could join Canada in bucking the global trend of rising road deaths, transforming statistics into saved lives.