As South Africa observes Road Safety Awareness Month throughout April, the Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (WCAPD) emphasises the critical need for inclusive road safety initiatives that address the specific challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

The primary focus of Road Safety Awareness Month is to highlight the importance of reducing road accidents, injuries, and fatalities by educating the public about responsible driving practices, pedestrian safety, and adherence to traffic laws. While these efforts are commendable, it is imperative to recognise that mobility issues affecting persons with disabilities are conspicuously absent from mainstream road safety discussions.

According to data from the Global Road Safety Facility’s website, 1,509 life years are affected due to disability from road crash injuries per 100,000 people in South Africa.  Persons with disabilities encounter unique challenges related to road safety, including inaccessible infrastructure, lack of accessible public transport options, and limited awareness about their specific needs among drivers and pedestrians. These issues significantly impact their ability to navigate roads safely and independently.

Specific road safety challenges range from inaccessible pedestrian crossings, lack of tactile paving for visually impaired individuals, to insufficient provisions for wheelchair users on public transport, to name a few. 

“Road safety awareness must be inclusive and address the diverse needs of all road users, including persons with disabilities,” said Elmien Grobbelaar, Provincial Director of WCAPD.  “We call upon relevant stakeholders, including government authorities, transport agencies, urban planners, and the public, to prioritise the implementation of accessible infrastructure, inclusive transport systems, and awareness programmes that consider the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities”, she said. 

WCAPD urges collaboration among relevant role-players to address the following key areas:

Accessible Infrastructure: Ensure that pedestrian pathways, crossings, and public spaces are designed and maintained to be accessible for persons with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments, visual impairments, intellectual impairments, and hearing impairments.

Inclusive Transport: Advocate for the inclusion of accessible features in public transport vehicles, such as ramps, priority seating, audible and visual announcements, and signage in Braille, to enhance the mobility and safety of persons with disabilities.

Awareness and Education: Conduct targeted awareness campaigns and educational programmes to increase public understanding of road safety issues faced by persons with disabilities, promote respectful interactions, and encourage inclusive practices among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Policy and Regulation: Advocate for the development and enforcement of policies, regulations, and standards that prioritise the safety and inclusion of persons with disabilities in road infrastructure planning, transport services, and traffic management initiatives.

By addressing these critical areas, stakeholders can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive road environment that benefits all members of society.

WCAPD remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and encourages active engagement from all stakeholders in advancing inclusive road safety practices.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Glynis Abrahams – 083 302 2289

Connectiv Communications Consultants