South Africa has once again been ranked the most dangerous country in the world for drivers, according to the latest report titled “The World’s Safest Roads” compiled by Zutobi, an international online driver education platform. This marks the second consecutive year the country has received this alarming ranking, pointing to the urgent need for improvements in road safety, driver behavior, and law enforcement.
The report reveals that South Africa records a staggering 24.5 road traffic deaths per 100,000 people. This already high figure has increased compared to last year, indicating a worsening situation on the country’s roads. Despite having a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h on motorways—similar to countries ranked as the safest—South Africa struggles with other critical aspects of road safety.
One of the major contributing factors identified in the report is the low rate of seatbelt usage. Shockingly, only 31% of front-seat passengers in South Africa consistently wear their seatbelts, increasing the risk of fatalities in the event of an accident. In comparison, countries like Norway, Iceland, and Japan—ranked among the safest places to drive—have significantly higher seatbelt compliance, robust traffic law enforcement, and safer driving environments.
The Zutobi report also placed Thailand and the United States among the world’s most dangerous countries to drive in, though neither matches South Africa’s road fatality rate. Meanwhile, Norway, Iceland, and Japan continue to lead the rankings as the safest countries for motorists, largely due to strict road safety laws, disciplined driving culture, and strong infrastructure.
South Africa’s road safety challenges go beyond seatbelt usage. During the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign last December, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy highlighted alcohol abuse and speeding as the leading causes of road deaths in the country. Reckless driving behaviors, including drunk driving and exceeding speed limits, continue to claim thousands of lives annually, especially during the festive season when traffic volumes are high.
Efforts by authorities to curb road fatalities include campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and raising public awareness. However, these initiatives often fall short due to poor implementation, corruption, and a general disregard for road rules among many motorists. The country also faces issues such as unroadworthy vehicles, bribery at traffic checkpoints, and insufficient policing of roads, all of which compound the dangers faced by South African drivers and pedestrians alike.
The latest statistics serve as a grim reminder of the scale of the problem and the urgent need for decisive action. Improving driver education, enforcing traffic laws more strictly, and promoting safer driving habits are essential steps toward reducing the shocking death toll on South Africa’s roads.
As the country once again tops the list for the most dangerous roads, the call for collective responsibility from government, law enforcement agencies, and motorists grows louder. Without significant change, South Africa risks maintaining this unenviable status for years to come.