Assessment of law Enforcement in Preventing Pedestrian Fatalities in Limpopo Province (South Africa)

Abstract

This paper explores law enforcement in preventing pedestrian fatalities in Limpopo Province. The challenges in addressing pedestrian fatalities in Limpopo Province are primarily those of human behaviour. The inability of law enforcement officials to enforce the law consistently is a major problem and it contribute to road users not abiding by the rules of the road. The study utilised quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 195 respondents. Comprises of 15 civil engineering companies, 23 civil society organisations, 52 community members, 51 teachers and 54 traffic police officials. The findings from the study revealed among many others, that 55.4% of the respondents agreed that lack of support from law enforcement agencies in enforcing the law contribute to pedestrian fatalities; 59% of the respondents agreed that lack of resources in enforcing the law contribute to pedestrian fatalities; 75.9% of the respondents agreed that corruption compromises road safety and 75.4% of the respondents agreed that unroadworthy vehicles contribute to pedestrian fatalities in Limpopo Province. Based on the findings of the study the author provided possible recommendations such as; Law enforcement agencies should fortify their relationships to prevent pedestrian fatalities; Resources should be allocated to road safety programmes; Law enforcement agencies should recruit graduates in Traffic Safety and Municipal Police or related diploma to provide knowledge, skills and attitude; Road users should be empowered with the rules of the road.