Roads are kids' killing fields

SHOCKING STATS: FOUR DIE EVERY DAY IN ACCIDENTS, WITH 60% OF THEM PEDESTRIANS

- Enkosi Selane

About four children die every day due to road accidents, with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) raising the alarm over the devastating toll of accidents involving school kids.

"The five-year average for road fatalities among school-going children aged 5 to 19 is 1 288," the fund said yesterday. "This is proof that road users are not doing enough to save children's lives."

The staggering number of deaths translates to more than 100 deaths each month.

Analysis of the fatalities reveals a disturbing pattern: 60% of child victims were pedestrians, while 36% were passengers.

Child cyclists and drivers each accounted for 2% of the deaths.

This concerning trend highlights the particular vulnerability of children walking on South Africa's roads.

RAF chief executive officer Collins Letsoalo called for a critical need for change.

"Road users must stay alert. Your actions can profoundly impact human lives, particularly those of our future leaders.