Road Accident Fund (RAF)
By Lerato Mpembe
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has encouraged road users to be responsible on the roads this Easter weekend, while highlighting the significant costs that road accidents have on government spending and society. With Easter 2024 recording a alarming 335 fatalities—the highest since 2019—the RAF is intensifying its call for safer road practices to prevent further loss of life and reduce the economic burden on South Africans.
A Costly Toll on Society
In the 2023-2024 financial year, the RAF settled claims totalling a staggering R45.6 billion, underscoring the immense financial impact of road accidents. This amount included R47 million for funeral claims, R21.6 billion for loss of earnings, R12.7 billion for general damages, R2.6 billion for loss of support, and R1.7 billion for medical compensation. These figures reflect not only the economic strain but also the profound emotional and social toll on victims, their families, and communities.
“The RAF pleads with South African road users to make this Easter fatality free by using the roads responsibly. Road fatalities and trauma result in devastating emotional, social and economic costs to the victims, their families and the country,” the RAF stated on Wednesday. The organisation emphasised that the 335 deaths recorded during Easter 2024 marked a sharp increase from 252 in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Causes of Crashes: Human, Vehicle, and Environmental Factors
Data from 2019 to 2024 reveals that 1,325 fatalities occurred during Easter weekend car crashes, driven by a combination of human error, vehicle failure, and environmental factors. Major human-related contributors included speeding, jaywalking, and hit-and-run incidents. Vehicle-related issues such as tyre bursts, brake failures, and smooth tyres were also significant culprits. Environmental factors, including poor visibility, sharp bends, stray animals, and road surface defects, further compromised road safety.
RAF Chief Executive Officer Collins Letsoalo stressed that many of these factors are preventable. “Reckless driving, pedestrian negligence, and poor vehicle maintenance remain major contributors to road crashes. These are all factors that we can do something about as individual road users,” he said. Letsoalo urged all road users to take personal responsibility, adding, “Arrivals at unintended destinations should never happen. We encourage all road users to pledge to themselves or whoever is precious to them to drive responsibly and make this Easter weekend fatality free.”
Proactive Road Safety Initiatives
To address these challenges, the RAF has rolled out a comprehensive road safety awareness campaign in the first quarter of 2025. Through partnerships with radio stations, soccer events, and schools, the RAF has engaged communities to promote safer road practices. Key initiatives include:
- Scholar patrol uniform distribution to enhance visibility for young pedestrians.
- Cyclist safety awareness to protect vulnerable road users.
- Defensive Driver Workshops to equip drivers with skills to avoid accidents.
- Spraying of livestock with reflective sprays to reduce collisions with stray animals.
- Adult-assisted crossing for learners to ensure safe passage for schoolchildren.
- Removing vegetation from sidewalks in high-accident areas to improve visibility and pedestrian safety.
These efforts build on the RAF’s ongoing commitment to reducing road fatalities and fostering a culture of responsibility among all road users.
Additional Insights: Broader Context and Statistics
Recent data highlights the scale of South Africa’s road safety crisis. According to transport authorities, over 12,000 fatalities occur annually on South African roads, with Easter and other holiday periods being particularly dangerous due to increased traffic volumes. Alcohol-related crashes, fatigue, and distracted driving (such as cellphone use) have also been identified as growing concerns. The RAF’s campaign aligns with national efforts to reduce these risks through education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.
Moreover, the economic impact extends beyond RAF payouts. Road accidents contribute to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and strain on emergency services. By promoting responsible road use, the RAF aims to alleviate these burdens and create safer communities.
How to Contact the RAF
In the event of a motor vehicle accident, the RAF is readily accessible to assist claimants. The RAF’s Contact Centre can be reached at 087 820 1 111 from Monday to Friday, 07:45 to 16:00. Claimants may also use the following channels: - WhatsApp: 071 605 4707
- SMS: 44930
- Email: contactcentre@raf.co.za
- Website: www.raf.co.za (for office locations and additional details)
The RAF encourages prompt reporting of accidents to ensure timely support for those affected.
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