Stop jumping in front of oncoming traffic, the South African government is warning citizens

What happened in South Africa?

The Road Accident Fund of South Africa (RAF) has issued a stark warning about a worrying situation: people who deliberately jump in front of slow-moving vehicles to fake accidents and claim compensation.

The fund revealed on Tuesday that this incident, which happens especially near the intersections and stop roads, is on the rise. While some incidents are suspected to be due to financial desperation, the RAF has stressed that it will not tolerate fraudulent applications.

Why is this practice relevant?

The increase in accidents comes as South Africa approaches the holiday season—a time notorious for road deaths. According to the RAF, more than 1,500 people die in road accidents between December and mid-January every year, with around 40% of those deaths involving pedestrians.

The fund also highlighted the harsh reality of South Africa’s economic challenges, which may drive some people to these extreme measures. “We acknowledge that road users may face socio-economic challenges,” said the RAF statement.

What do we know about fraudulent claims?

From February 2022 to February 2023, the RAF rejected almost 50,000 applications, many of which were fraudulent. The fund explained that some people wait for cars to slow down enough to avoid fatal injuries before deliberately causing an accident.

Despite the huge impact on those involved, the RAF made it clear: “The RAF does not compensate a person who intentionally causes a car accident, even if this causes serious injury.”

How does the government address this issue?

The RAF refrains from false claims and has reiterated its policies to discourage fraudulent activity. The fund paid nearly $2.5 billion in claims in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, underscoring the scale of its operations and the potential complexity of fraudulent activities.

Why is this important during the holidays?

The warning comes as South Africans brace for dangerous holiday road conditions in the country. The combination of increased travel, reckless driving, and alcohol consumption makes this time of year especially deadly.

The RAF also reminded the public of the fund’s limitations: compensation does not cover death itself but only cremation or burial costs.

What’s next for road safety in South Africa?

In order to combat the increase in road deaths and fraud claims, the RAF and South African authorities are expected to step up their vigilance during the holiday season. Drivers and pedestrians alike are being urged to be vigilant, while the government works to tackle the deep social and economic problems that contribute to this dangerous practice.