In celebration of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week beginning on May 12, the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) is initiating a special Road Safety Week campaign centred on creating safer environments for vulnerable road users, especially children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The flagship event will be a high-level panel discussion supported by the FIA Foundation, designed to shed light on the critical issues faced by these groups and explore practical solutions to improve safety on South African roads.

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The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Pedestrians account for nearly 40% of annual road fatalities in South Africa, with children aged five to 14 being among the most vulnerable. Road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of death within this age group. Cyclists, often navigating roads lacking dedicated infrastructure and proper visibility, face heightened risks of injury and fatalities. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted safety interventions and infrastructure investments to protect those most at risk.

A central feature of the event will be a presentation of the ‘Walking Safely to School’ (WATCH) project in Mamelodi, Tshwane. This community-driven initiative, developed through a partnership between AA South Africa, ChildSafe South Africa, and supported by the FIA Foundation, demonstrates how simple yet effective infrastructure improvements can significantly reduce risks for schoolchildren. By creating safer walking routes, this project aims to promote safer, healthier, and more accessible means of travel for children heading to school.

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Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of AA South Africa, emphasised the importance of listening to communities’ needs: “The fact that so many children walk to school without suitable infrastructure is unacceptable. We need urgent, long-term investments in road safety – and that starts with engaging directly with those most affected.” The event will also feature discussions on road safety data and trends in South Africa, the existing gaps in infrastructure, and proven safety measures that can be implemented to reduce accidents involving children, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The panel will explore the lived experiences of vulnerable road users, highlighting the importance of civil society’s role in shaping policies that foster safer transport environments. Lessons learned from local projects, including the Mamelodi initiative, will be shared to inspire further action. To complement the event, a digital campaign will be launched encouraging South Africans to share their walking routes, identify unsafe areas, and advocate for municipal action using hashtags such as #MakeWalkingSafe, #MakeCyclingSafe, and #SafeStreetsSA.

Through these efforts, the AA aims to raise awareness and galvanise support for safer, more inclusive streets that protect the most vulnerable. By fostering community engagement, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and promoting a culture of safety, the organisation hopes to create a lasting impact that ensures every child, pedestrian, and cyclist can navigate South African roads safely and confidently.

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