Driving Behaviour and Road Safety in South Africa: Evidence, Policy, and Behavioural Change
Road traffic injuries remain one of the leading causes of death globally and continue to pose a major public health and development challenge. In South Africa, high fatality rates, risky driving behaviours, and the growing vehicle fleet highlight the urgent need for stronger road safety governance, behavioural interventions, and public awareness. Human behaviour contributes to more than 80% of road crashes in the country, with young people particularly vulnerable.
In response, the Academy of Science of South Africa and South African Academy of Engineering will convene a Media Roundtable on Driving Behaviour and Road Safety in South Africa to bring together researchers, policymakers, engineers, and media professionals to advance evidence-based dialogue on road safety, behavioural change, and the role of media in promoting safer road use.