![\"Trends](\"http:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/Trends-in-road-deaths.png\")
<\/a>Trends in road deaths<\/p><\/div>\n
Alarmingly, the WHO noted that South Africa has the highest rate of alcohol-related road deaths, where as much as 58% of deaths can be attributed to alcohol consumption.<\/p>\n
Of 180 countries covered in the report, only 95 provide data on the proportion of deaths attributable to alcohol abuse.<\/p>\n
These countries have proportions that range from less than 1% of deaths in Costa Rica and Oman, to the 58% ceiling in South Africa (excluding countries with small populations which distort the data).<\/p>\n
While South Africa has national laws to combat drunk driving, the country only scores 4 out of 10 in its capacity to enforce them.<\/p>\n
Speed limit enforcement scores 3 out of 10, and seat-belt laws score even worse in terms of enforcement: 2 out of 10.<\/p>\n
According to the WHO data,\u00a0 31% of passengers in cars in SA wear a seat, while only a third (33%) of drivers opt to wear a seat belt, the global organisation said.<\/p>\n
When it comes to road deaths in South Africa, 38% are passengers of 4-wheeled vehicles, 29% are the drivers of vehicles, and 33% are pedestrians.<\/p>\n
The WHO estimates that 7.8% of South Africa’s GDP is lost due to crashes on the country’s roads.<\/p>\n Joburg traffic light mess<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Watch: Joburg taxis dice with oncoming traffic<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nMore on traffic<\/h3>\n