According to a 2018 report by the International Transport Forum (ITF), as many as 25 % of accidents on South African roads are caused by the use of cell phones while driving.
The WHO states that “drivers using mobile phones are approximately 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers not using a mobile phone. Using a phone while driving slows reaction times (notably braking reaction time, but also reaction to traffic signals), and makes it difficult to keep in the correct lane, and to keep the correct following distances”.
As stated on Arrive Alive, the law in South Africa is clear: “NO driver is permitted to use a hand-held communication device while driving. This includes a cell phone, microphone or other communication devices, per the South African National Road Traffic Act”.
What will it take to stop the transgression of this life-saving law?
The article below shared on Daily Mail’s Twitter platform is a sobering reminder of the fatal consequences of using your cell phone while driving.
Driver who crashed into pram and killed 18-day-old boy while using his mobile phone has jail sentence increased https://t.co/BMOZlC9Niv
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) July 6, 2022
For the comprehensive South African road legislation on using your phone when driving go to https://www.arrivealive.mobi/road-legislation-and-using-your-phone-when-driving
