We can’t sit idle and watch our children die, in deadly accidents that could’ve been prevented

South Africa’s highways, byways, and other roads are extremely busy and have proven to be deadly over the years. This year alone, we have seen numerous accidents claiming the lives of children across provinces.  

In Limpopo in May, an accident claimed the lives of thirteen children. In Carletonville, another road fatality resulted in the deaths of twelve learners and their driver. This month, as we observe Transport Month, we must focus sharply on the lack of sufficient child passenger safety measures. 

Crashes remain the leading cause of death among healthy children in South Africa, and most of these deaths could be avoided. However, only 25% of children in private vehicles in Gauteng and a concerning 8% in the Western Cape are securely fastened in car seats. The truth is, these figures are more than just numbers; they represent lives lost too early and families forever impacted.  

We need to frankly discuss some of the barriers mentioned regarding the low utilisation of car seats, such as the often cited issue of affordability. However, there is also a stark ignorance about the benefits, which are life-changing as well, of car seats.  

Given that South African households have faced financial constraints in recent months, they have had to prioritise how to spend their limited funds on essentials, sometimes even unable to afford the most basic car seats. Others, despite their good intentions, remain unaware of how vital these seats are in preventing serious injury or death. This dual challenge demands urgent attention, not only from parents but from society as a whole. 

Children in cars matter to any attentive driver, and it’s not something that can be taken lightly. Car seats serve a vital purpose; they keep children securely seated. They are a proven and effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in the event of a crash, and many investigations have found that children were not in car seats. First, car seats keep children inside the vehicle during a collision. Without proper restraints, children can be thrown from the vehicle, leading to injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries or death.  

Accidents in South Africa are frequent, deadly, and seem endless, especially during busy periods like Easter and the December holidays. This is where car seats, in the case of children, come into play. They are designed to help children withstand the forces of a crash, distributing the impact across the strongest parts of their body and greatly reducing the risk of life-threatening injuries. This simple mechanism can make the difference between a fatal crash and one from which a child walks away.  

Additionally, car seats help reduce the distraction that children can cause to drivers. Unrestrained children in a moving vehicle not only put themselves at risk but also increase the chance of a crash by diverting the driver's attention. Ensuring a child is safely secured allows the driver to concentrate fully on the road, which benefits everyone in the vehicle.  

While affordability and lack of awareness are significant obstacles, drivers must also share a substantial part of the responsibility, a burden most refuse to accept. They must ensure that all passengers, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, are properly secured. This duty goes beyond simply buckling up children; it also involves setting a good example through their behaviour behind the wheel.  

Children are observant; they absorb much more from watching their parents and guardians than from hearing instructions. If a child grows up seeing their caregiver consistently ignore seat belt rules, use a cellphone while driving, speed, or flout basic road regulations, that behaviour becomes normalised. Drivers need to realise they are training the next generation of drivers every time they get behind the wheel. It’s a habit that parents and drivers should be aware of, as children can easily imitate it, and its consequences can be not only harmful but also deadly.  

The reality is that some drivers are reckless, selfish, and irresponsible, and their arrogance simply doesn’t care about the next vehicle or whether it might have children onboard. So, yes, we must unflinchingly buckle up, ignore the phone, and stick to speed limits – these are responsibilities that every driver must accept. We should strive to shape and promote a positive culture of safe driving habits. By modelling responsible driving behaviour, today’s adults have the power to prevent future accidents and save countless lives.  

It is time for a collective effort to show that we want to take better action for the sake of our children. If you are a parent who no longer uses a car seat, consider donating it to any Supa Quick fitment centres. These donated car seats will help protect more children on the roads, especially those in families that cannot afford one.  

Car seats can be dropped off at any Supa Quick dealership nationwide, showing your commitment to our community and making a difference. Transport Month reminds us that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, but protecting our children is a duty we cannot neglect. Let us all take action to safeguard the youngest passengers on our roads. Every child deserves a safe journey, and with your support, we can turn this into reality.  

Mars is the founder of Wheel Well, a non-profit organisation focusing on child passenger and road safety