Global NCAP has called on the South African government to adopt legislation requiring the fitment of various crash-avoidance technologies in all new vehicles and motorcycles sold in the country.

The call comes after Global NCAP and the Automobile Association released the results of their third round of crash testing, this time rating SA-spec entry-level versions of the Toyota Avanza, Honda Amaze and Suzuki Ignis.

After the results were announced, the “Stop The Crash” partnership (an organisation led by Global NCAP) hosted live demonstrations of electronic stability control (ESC), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) for motorcycles at Kyalami.

David Ward, president of Global NCAP and chairperson of the Stop The Crash partnership, had a message for the country’s government.

“Global NCAP and the Stop the Crash Partnership strongly encourage the South African government to take a leadership role in the African continent by adopting legislation to require the fitment of ‘Stop The Crash’ technologies in all new vehicles and motorcycles,” Ward said.

“We would also advise drivers and riders to always consider safety performance when buying a car or motorbike, choosing the safest model available for their budget, especially those fitted with the latest safety systems,” he added.

Sikkie Kajee, chairperson of AA South Africa, pointed out that although Africa was the “least motorised” continent, it suffered the highest per capita death rate.

“We simply have to deal with this crisis; one way is to avoid crashes. While vehicles in South Africa meet minimum standards, we again highlight the fact that for us, minimum is not good enough and more needs to be done to protect road users. We have an obligation to see this happen,” Kajee said.

Original article from Car