Road safety in SA??
 

I've been looking forward to my 2-week trip to South Africa for ages now. We're planning to pick up a car from Jo-burg airport, drive to Kruger via Blyde River Canyon, head south to Kosi Bay through Swaziland, and then back to Jo-burg. <BR><BR>However, I keep reading items in the press on road safety in South Africa, quoting horrendous accident statistics (an annual death toll of 9000!! 350 tourists killed on the roads in a year, etc...). Frankly, I'm starting to dread driving there (even though as a Brit I'm used to driving on the left side of the road). It sounds terrifying. Does anyone have any tips, advice or experience to share on the matter? Any info would be very much appreciated!

I was a little worried after reading all of the reports too. We just returned from a month in Africa of which we spent 3 weeks driving in South Africa. Even with driving on the other side of the road than we are used to we were just fine. The speed limit is usually 120kph and there are many speeders. If the road does not have a passing lane the paved shoulder is very wide , just move on over and let the people in a hurry by. They usualy flash their emergency lights to thank you. The roads for the most part in SA are fantastic (especially compared to namibia). The roads in Swazi are very narrow and hilly, no shoulder, but we did not find as many people on the road as in SA. <BR><BR>I would have to problem going and driving there again. <BR><BR>Have fun.

Hanl:<BR>We also just returned from a two week trip to South Africa and were very impressed with the roads and signage. People did speed but no more than in Hometown Atlanta. Although we did not drive to Kruger, the roads within the park were excellent; paved and gravel.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply, and putting my mind at rest!

The roads are fine. My husband and I had no diffuculty at all. We heard the reports too. The only thing we did find was that some of the roads were very dark at night. Other than that, it was no problem. Enjoy, its an amazing place!

Most of the accidents that I have seen in South Africa are caused by poor driving, not by road conditions. If you drive defensively and are aware that we have some impatient drivers, you should be as safe here as anywhere else. Also carry a cell phone. It may sound unkind but call the police if you see accidents and breakdowns - do not stop to help yourself. Do not pick up hitch hikers and drive with your doors locked. In the 2 years I have been here I have never seen an accident bigger than a fender bender in fact although I have seen the newsreels of them so they do happen. As far as the hitchhikers go - when I lived in Canada where life is generally quite quiet and safe, I never picked them up as they posed a threat there. I do not see it as any different here. When I went to inland Mexico, I kept the doors locked to discourage the banditos. I do the same here for the same reason. The banditos are the same as the accidents - I have never myself seen one but I have heard about them in the news. Being aware of who and what is out there on the roads with you is a huge part of the battle no matter whether you are here or at home. Come on over and enjoy this fabulous place.<BR>Karen Copeland