South Africa has ranked as the fourth-worst country for driving in the latest World’s Best Driver Index by Compare the Market, underlining ongoing concerns about road safety and the financial risks tied to it.
The index, which assessed 56 countries on factors including road fatalities, blood alcohol limits, speed regulations, road quality, and congestion, found South Africa recording 17.9 road deaths per 100 000 people. Although the country’s road infrastructure earned a middling 4.5 out of 7 quality score, its traffic index of 48.45 highlights persistent inefficiencies.
Globally, the Netherlands, Estonia, Japan, and Sweden lead the rankings with strong infrastructure and low fatality rates, while Thailand, Argentina, and Indonesia sit at the bottom because of high death rates and weak regulation.
A mixed picture on local roads
South Africa has committed to halving road fatalities by 2030 in line with United Nations targets. Encouragingly, fatal crashes fell 8% and fatalities 9% in the first five months of 2025 compared with 2024. The Easter holiday period was particularly positive, with crashes down 32.5% and fatalities 45.6% lower year on year.
But these gains are fragile. August 2025 saw 52 deaths in only 11 days in the Western Cape, most of them pedestrians. Speeding, drunk driving, and unsafe crossings remain the main culprits. Similar spikes were recorded in the North West, underscoring how quickly trends can reverse.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku summed it up bluntly: “These aren’t numbers, they’re our neighbours, friends, and loved ones. Slow down, stay sober, and make the choices that keep us all alive.”
Insurance industry’s view
For insurers, the picture is equally sobering. According to the 2025 Santam Insurance Barometer Report, 62% of personal motor claims stem from accidental damage because of collisions, while 29% relate to windscreen damage. Severe write-offs account for 9% of collision claims.
Economic stress, deteriorating infrastructure, and climate change-related weather damage are pushing up risks and costs. This is driving more clients to reduce cover or turn to self-insurance – a trend advisers will need to monitor closely.
A deeper look at the 2024 Personal Lines motor book shows that although there was a slight decline in claims for minor accidental loss or damage (such as scratches or reversing into a pillar) and in theft/attempted theft, collision claims rose significantly. This is largely because road usage in South Africa has returned to pre-Covid levels, with many companies reinstating five-day office attendance policies.
In terms of frequency, motor vehicle accidents far outweigh theft and hijacking. However, the severity of motor theft is higher, because stolen vehicles are more likely to be total losses.
Accident outcomes vary widely – from a bumper bashing that can be repaired to a complete write-off. That said, Santam notes a growing trend of vehicles being written off even after accidents that previously would have been repairable, due to the steep increase in repair costs. Imported parts – often affected by global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions – are a key driver of this trend.
Shifting consumer behaviour
The Barometer also finds important demographic trends around how South Africans buy short-term insurance.
• Broker usage is higher than average among existing Santam clients (74%), those aged 60+ (65%), and high earners (63%).
• Younger consumers are more price sensitive and tend to prefer direct-to-consumer or digital channels: 62% of 25-to-34-year-olds and 50% of 35-to-44-year-olds opt for direct purchases.
• Gen Z and younger Millennials often buy insurance for a single need – such as standalone motor cover – whereas older or wealthier individuals typically buy more comprehensive packages, often including specialist cover for assets such as wine or art collections.
This generational divide reinforces the value of adviser-led advice for mature, wealthier clients with complex risks, while highlighting the challenge of engaging younger, digital-first consumers.
The infrastructure multiplier effect
The deterioration of South Africa’s infrastructure is another dominant theme, with significant knock-on effects for the insurance industry. Failing infrastructure not only raises direct claims and loss ratios but also creates a multiplier effect: degraded railway networks push more freight onto already overburdened roads, worsening road damage and increasing accident frequency.
The Barometer warns that if infrastructure decline continues, insurance costs will rise for clients through higher deductibles, stricter limits, or premium hikes – all necessary to support sustainable underwriting.
Safety nets and safe driving
Ernest North, the co-founder of Naked Insurance, says South African drivers face a unique mix of risks.
“The study from Compare the Market underlines that drivers should be ready for the unexpected on our roads. Unpredictable drivers, potholed roads, and thundershowers are just a few of the factors that make driving in South Africa so interesting. There are many ways to reduce these risks and empower yourself, from defensive driving techniques to getting appropriate insurance cover.”
North shares 10 safe driving tips:
• Drive with awareness. You cannot predict or control how other people drive, so be alert on the roads. Maintain a safe following distance, keep checking your mirrors, and try to stay away from people who look like they are driving dangerously.
• Don’t drink and drive. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% and just one drink can put you over the limit. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your reaction times on the road. It is best to stay safe and avoid alcohol completely when you are driving.
• Speed limits are not a target. Not only should you obey the speed limit at all times, but you should also adjust your speed to road conditions. Take it easy when roads are wet, visibility is poor, or traffic is heavy.
• Keep your car in roadworthy condition. A well-maintained car will help you to stay safer on the roads. Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are inflated to the correct pressure. Regularly check that your brake pads, windscreen wipers, and indicators are in good condition.
• Take breaks on longer trips. Exhausted drivers are more likely to cause accidents or have preventable crashes. Stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours or swap drivers on long trips to stay alert.
• Don’t overload your car. Exceeding your vehicle’s load limits can lead to tyre damage, reduced braking effectiveness, and compromised control. Stick to weight and size limits for roof racks and other storage equipment.
• Buckle up. Wearing seatbelts reduces the risk of serious injury for drivers and passengers. Ensure any children in your car are strapped into car seats or boosters that are right for their size and weight.
• Plan your route. Heavy traffic, impatient drivers, crime hotspots, and potholes are among the challenges you may encounter when driving. Plan your journeys to avoid damaged stretches, particularly during or after storms. Also avoid driving during peak traffic when possible.
• Stay alert to crime risks. Hijackings and smash-and-grabs remain a reality. Stay vigilant and keep valuables out of sight, particularly when stopped at traffic lights or navigating crime hotspots.
• Be particularly careful during night-time travel. Driving at night can be dangerous, especially on unfamiliar or poorly lit roads. Lower visibility, higher numbers of drunk or tired drivers, and increased criminal activity add to the risk.
“You might be a safe and careful driver, but dangerous road conditions and careless road users mean that you can’t always avoid accidents. Insurance is there to protect you when things go wrong,” says North.
