Back-to-school safety starts on the road

As children across South Africa return to school, uniforms, stationery lists and morning routines take centre stage. One issue deserves equal focus. Road safety.

Road crashes remain one of the biggest risks facing children in South Africa. The consequences reach far beyond the road and into homes, schools and communities.

The scale of the risk

Road accidents are the leading cause of death for otherwise healthy children in South Africa. An estimated three children under the age of 15 lose their lives on the roads every day. For children aged five to 14, road crashes are the second leading cause of death.

Many of these incidents are preventable. Common factors include failure to wear seatbelts, overcrowded vehicles, unsafe scholar transport and poorly maintained cars.

When accidents are not fatal, they often leave lasting damage. Traumatic brain injuries and serious physical harm can affect a child’s ability to learn, communicate and take part fully in daily life. Families then carry emotional, medical and financial strain for years.

Why the school commute matters

The daily trip to and from school is one of the most consistent risks children face. Whether a child is driven by a parent, caregiver, or a scholar transport service, safety standards must remain high every day.

“Back to school should be a time of excitement and possibility, not anxiety,” says Tando Ngibe, Senior Manager at Budget Insurance. “Yet for many families, the daily school commute exposes children to unnecessary risk. Simple actions like ensuring seatbelts are worn on every trip, choosing reliable transport and avoiding unsafe driving behaviours save lives.”

Vehicles used for school transport should be roadworthy, properly serviced and suitable for carrying children. Overloading and shortcuts increase danger and reduce reaction time in emergencies.

The role of insurance and emergency support

Road safety planning should also include financial and emergency preparedness. Insurance plays a critical role before, during and after an incident.

“Insurance is not only about what happens after an accident,” Ngibe explains. “Cover that includes Breakdown Assist and Accident Assist gives parents access to emergency medical help and roadside support when it matters most. In high-stress situations, fast assistance protects both children and caregivers.”

Breakdowns on busy roads or near schools pose a risk to children. Immediate support reduces exposure and helps manage emergencies calmly and safely.

Simple checks parents should make now

The back-to-school period is a good time to reset safety habits. Parents and caregivers should:

• Ensure vehicles are insured and roadworthy
• Check tyres, brakes and lights
• Use seatbelts and child restraints on every trip
• Avoid overcrowding
• Confirm that scholar transport providers meet safety standards
• Teach children basic road safety, whether they walk or ride

“Protecting children requires preparation,” says Ngibe. “Parents who prioritise road safety and emergency readiness play a direct role in protecting their children’s lives and futures.”

A shared responsibility on the road

Road safety extends beyond families. All drivers should slow down near schools, stay alert in school zones and respect pedestrian crossings. Small actions by every road user reduce the risk to children.

As the school year begins, safer roads mean safer learners. Every careful journey protects South Africa’s most precious passengers.