Three key reasons why South Africans feel they can get away with unsafe road use practices are:
- Lack of Accountability and Inadequate Law Enforcement: There is a perception that law enforcement is weak or inadequate, leading drivers to believe they are unlikely to be caught or punished for violations. This lack of real consequences encourages unsafe behaviors like speeding or not wearing seatbelts.
- Systemic Corruption: Corruption in licensing, vehicle testing, and law enforcement allows unqualified drivers and unsafe vehicles on the roads. This culture of impunity, where licenses can be fraudulently obtained and enforcement is circumvented, reinforces the belief that one can evade penalties for unsafe practices.
- Lack of Knowledge and Understanding: Many drivers lack awareness of road safety laws, the risks associated with unsafe driving, and the impact of their actions on others. This lack of education and societal normalization of risky behavior leads to unsafe driving being perceived as acceptable.
These factors combined create an environment where unsafe road use practices are common and often unpunished, contributing to South Africa's challenging road safety record.
