Exciting progress is underway in South Africa with over 16,000km of recent Star Rating assessments supporting the work of local state agencies to identify and eliminate high-risk roads.

Supported by iRAP Accredited Supplier ARRB Systems SA, almost 7,000km of provincial strategic and residual roads have been assessed by the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport and nearly 8,200km for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

Project Manager, Verushka Balaram from ARRB Systems SA said these are the first two provinces to undertake a full-scale iRAP road safety network assessment in South Africa.

“The iRAP reports have been well received by both road agencies, and it is great to follow the implementation of the countermeasures in nominated high-risk road projects.

“It is now becoming mandatory for all provincial road agencies to undertake Star Ratings assessments and adopt a proactive approach in identifying hazardous road sections and implementing the appropriate countermeasures,” Ms Balaram said.

To date, nearly 23,000km and 60 schools have been Star Rated for safety in the country.

Road crashes claim 1,132 victims each day in South Africa, including 40 fatalities.

Achieving UN Targets 3 and 4 for >75% of travel on 3-star or better roads for all road users by 2030 stands to save 4,850 lives per year in South Africa with an economic benefit of USD$104 billion – a benefit of $4 for every $1 spent.

Read more on:

• Recent Star Rating for Schools activities in Mogale City here.
• AA South Africa’s work with government to recommend iRAP Star Ratings to reduce high annual road fatalities here.