The cost of road accidents in South Africa is taking a toll on the economy, with a recent report revealing that each fatal crash costs the country potentially millions.
The Road Traffic Inspectorate has cited underperformance due to officers being diverted from their regular duties to handle accidents as a significant issue.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported that in 2022, the cost of 10 466 fatal crashes amounted to roughly R186.5 billion, equivalent to 3.3% of GDP.
These expenses include lost productivity, medical treatment, clean-up, emergency services, police involvement, funeral costs and infrastructure damage.
The RTMC also noted that road user behaviour is a significant factor in accidents, with pedestrians being particularly vulnerable.
The economic impact extends to reduced productivity, lost income and ongoing costs for victims and their families.
