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Road traffic accidents are a major, but neglected global public health problem, requiring intensive efforts for effective and sustainable prevention. Of all the systems that people must deal with daily, road transport is the most complex, and the most dangerous. Road safety is an issue of national concern, considering its magnitude, gravity and the consequent negative impacts on the economy, public health and the general welfare of the people in South Africa. Road traffic accidents are a collective responsibility and all major stakeholders need to play their role in road safety and ensure that road users are safe whenever they are on the road. One of the major challenges for road traffic authorities in preventing road traffic accidents in South Africa is the inability of road users to understand and interpret the rules of the road and this contributes to a high rate of fatalities on the road. This qualitative article adopted the non-empirical research design: Systematic review. This study is completely based on the secondary data. A systematic review was done in detail for the collected literature. The key findings indicated that road users do not obey the rules of the road: jaywalking, speeding, driving and walking while impaired contribute to a high rate of fatalities on the road. The findings further indicated that law enforcement officials are not enforcing the law consistently which compromises the road safety project. Based on the findings, the author provided possible recommendations such as providing road safety campaigns throughout the year; capacitating law enforcement officials with resources to prevent road traffic accidents.

Despite the implementation of existing preventive measures, road traffic crashes (RTCs) and fatalities continue to be a significant challenge in South Africa. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of road advocacy messaging implemented by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) within the Durban Metropole region of South Africa. The research design employed in this study was an exploratory qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. The researcher employed a basic random sampling technique to conduct interviews with a sample of 30 participants. This sample consisted of 15 individuals who were Metro Police officials and an additional 15 individuals who were members of the general public. This research identified two primary themes: (1) the efficacy of road safety advocacy messaging and (2) obstacles encountered in the distribution of road safety advocacy messages. Based on the identified themes, the findings of this study suggest that the messages conveyed were unambiguous and suitable. The dissemination of advocacy messages effectively reached all participants within the designated area of study. Nevertheless, it was perceived that additional channels of communication, such as printed posters and radio broadcasts, have to be employed in order to effectively engage road users who may not own access to television media. One specific issue that arose was the matter of terminology. The commercials were predominantly presented in the English language, with isiZulu being the prevailing vernacular language employed. There are several potential avenues for enhancing the effectiveness of the messaging, such as diversifying the media platforms utilized, expanding the linguistic reach, and emphasizing the desired behavioral modifications. Enhancing concurrent law enforcement efforts pertaining to speed and alcohol-impaired driving will bolster the efficacy of road safety initiatives as a whole. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the inaugural comprehensive assessment of a road safety social marketing initiative in the Durban Metropole region. This study aims to provide valuable insights that might support the province and other provincial governments in enhancing their efforts towards road safety.

The objective of this study is to examine and analyze the many factors that contribute to the occurrence of automobile deaths within the Emfuleni Local Municipality. This study employed a hybrid analytics approach, employing a non-probability convenience sampling strategy. The researchers employed a descriptive study methodology to gather a sample of 168 participants, consisting of both traffic cops and motorists. The primary outcomes of the investigation revealed that road configuration, including small roads, hills, and sharp curves, was one of several influential elements in the occurrence of road traffic accidents (RTA). The dataset under analysis reveals that a substantial proportion of respondents possessing a standard 10/matric/grade 12 certificate had a higher level of agreement compared to those with a diploma/bachelor's degree about the primary responsibility of road layout in road traffic accidents (RTAs). The majority of participants identified stray or wild animals as a significant contributing cause to road accidents. Notably, female respondents and motorists residing in Emfuleni Municipality exhibited the highest level of agreement on this matter. Another significant contributing element was the presence of malfunctioning traffic signals, which was widely acknowledged as a causative factor in road collisions. The majority of respondents who possessed a standard 10/matric/grade 12 education exhibited the highest level of agreement. The results ultimately demonstrated that a majority of the participants concurred that a significant portion of the drivers and automobiles present on the road were not suitable for sharing the roads with other drivers, leading to the elevated occurrence of road traffic fatalities. The present circumstance necessitates prompt attention. Suggestions were proposed to provide assistance to the pertinent parties.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of road accidents and explore novel approaches aimed at promoting safer behavior among road users. The enforcement of road traffic laws serves as a means to generate income while also ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and fostering a safer road infrastructure that is conducive to enhancing the well-being of individuals and bolstering the economy of South Africa. The data collection process utilized an approach based on non-probability sampling, namely intentional sampling. A total of 30 individuals were selected to participate in the study. This sample consisted of government officials (n=13), taxi operators (n=4), taxi commuters (n=8), and senior academics (n=5). The study's results were categorized into three main themes: human error emerged as the primary factor contributing to road traffic fatalities, insufficient allocation of resources to address road fatalities, and the enhancement of law enforcement operating procedures and working hours. These themes were derived from the perspectives of the participants and findings from previous studies in the existing literature. The findings of the study indicate that professional and organizational factors have a more significant impact on dangerous conduct when compared to external and personal factors. The report provides recommendations for mitigating contributory factors by adopting innovative technical devices to avoid and minimize road fatalities. Additionally, it suggests implementing policy-based measures and establishing regulatory organizations to reduce the occurrence of accidents.