As the year draws to a close, the tragic impact of road accidents in South Africa continues to rise.

With more than 10,000 lives claimed already in 2024 and the festive season approaching—a time when road traffic surges—the risk of additional fatalities is all too evident.

Currently, the Road Traffic Management Corporation estimates that the yearly financial burden of road crashes amounts to R166 billion, encompassing medical costs, lost productivity, and damages.

These alarmingly high statistics regarding fatalities on our roads, coupled with the ensuing financial strains from medical expenses and productivity losses, underscore the urgent need to reassess our travel behaviors.

The preventable deaths occurring on our roads highlight an immediate need for safer and more sustainable alternatives.

Urban rail travel, exemplified by the innovative Metrorail trains designed exclusively by Gibela Rail, offers a much safer and more economical option.

Modern commuter trains not only provide a safer mode of transportation but also have the potential to transform how we navigate congested urban areas.

Rail transport is inherently more secure than road travel due to its operation on dedicated tracks.

Unlike cars and minibus taxis that often navigate chaotic highways alongside heavy trucks and buses, trains mitigate the risks associated with drunk driving, speeding, and reckless overtaking that can lead to fatal accidents.

Minibus taxis, in particular, are notorious for overloading and unsafe driving practices, especially during the festive season when demand surges.

Furthermore, minibus taxi drivers are motivated to drive faster.

The quicker they go, the more trips they can finish, thereby earning more money for themselves and their taxi owners.

Statistics reveal that the likelihood of being involved in a fatal accident while in a car, minibus taxi, or bus is significantly higher than while traveling by train.

Additionally, trains like Gibela’s X’trapolis MEGA are equipped with advanced safety technology, including automated braking systems and emergency response protocols, which considerably reduce the likelihood of a collision.

During the high-stress festive period, when road safety conditions deteriorate due to congestion and driver fatigue, trains represent a dependable alternative that prioritizes passenger safety.

Beyond safety, trains also provide a more budget-friendly travel option.

The recent increase in fuel prices aligns with the festive season, driving up the cost of long-distance travel for private vehicles.

Additionally, minibus taxi fares often rise during peak travel periods, causing commuters to frequently pay extra for unsafe and overcrowded rides.

In contrast, rail travel remains affordably priced, with fixed rates that allow families to budget their expenses with certainty.

For urban commuters, Gibela’s trains are built to efficiently move large numbers of passengers, thereby lowering costs per person.

This affordability, along with safety and comfort, makes rail an attractive alternative to pricier and less secure transport methods.

Shifting commuters from personal vehicles and overcrowded minibus taxis to rail can help ease road congestion, a major contributor to accidents in urban areas.

Trains are designed to transport large groups of passengers safely and efficiently, reducing strain on roadways during busy travel times.

By encouraging rail as a primary mode of transport in urban regions, South Africa can make significant strides toward lowering its road accident rates.

In addition to safety, trains, especially the new Metrorail fleet, support sustainability goals.

These modern trains are composed of 90 percent recyclable materials and operate with a minimal environmental footprint.

By choosing rail travel, commuters not only boost their own safety but also contribute to broader environmental conservation initiatives.

As South Africans gear up for festive-season journeys, a collective pivot towards safer transport options is both essential and possible.

While traveling by private cars and minibus taxis remains prevalent, selecting rail when feasible can save lives and foster a culture of safety and sustainability.

Gibela Rail’s dedication to delivering efficient and secure rail systems paves the way for a promising future—one that values human life over speed and convenience.

Let us seize this chance to reflect on our travel choices and make more prudent, safer decisions for ourselves, our families, our loved ones, and our communities.

* Nhlanhla Mbatha is an independent current affairs journalist. The opinions expressed by Nhlanhla Mbatha do not necessarily reflect those of The Bulrushes