The consequences of jaywalking in South Africa

The term "jaywalking" is often used in movies, and it's a law hardly ever spoken of in South Africa.

But did you know that pedestrian lawlessness accounted for nearly 41% of traffic deaths in the country?

National transport minister Barbara Creecy reported earlier this year that around 1 502 people died on South African roads during the festive season in 1 234 fatal collisions, with pedestrians accounting for 41% of the total.

Law enforcement authorities also issued 711 184 penalties for traffic violations around the country.

A Cape Town man was recently fined R500 for "jaywalking" after he was stopped by traffic officials for crossing the road without using the designated pedestrian crossing.

In a video posted on social media, Kenneth Brookes took a video of the ticket he received and said, "This is crazy, a traffic official just fined me for jaywalking!"

According to the National Road Traffic Act, pedestrians are required to:

• Use marked crossings and sidewalks where available, and

• Avoid crossing within 50 metres of a pedestrian crossing.

Kevin Jacobs, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Traffic Service, could not confirm the incident, but did confirm that "jaywalking" was indeed an illegal offence in the country.

"Jaywalking is illegal in terms of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA). The City’s enforcement agencies are mandated to enforce the provisions of the NRTA," he said.

"Pedestrians account for as many as 40% of deaths on South African roads."

Mr Jacobs said "jaywalking" was one of the key contributing factors.

"Jaywalking is illegal and one of the many pieces of legislation that City enforcement services are mandated to enforce," Mr Jacobs said.

Ms Creecy said law enforcement authorities issued 711 184 penalties for traffic violations around the country.

"Our message to pedestrians is clear: if you want to stay alive while using the roads, you must make sure that you do not consume alcohol and then walk on the roads; ensure that you are visible at night and walk in areas that are well lit," said Ms Creecy.

"Avoid jaywalking (the act of pedestrians walking in or crossing a roadway if that act contravenes traffic regulations); and cross the road at pedestrian crossings or where it is safe to do so."

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) conducted its own investigation and found law enforcement on pedestrians to be lacking.

In a recent statement, attorney Henry Shields said: "South African law states that no pedestrian should walk on a road where no pavement is available. And if there is no pavement, it is important to walk as close as possible to the edge of the road, while facing the direction of oncoming traffic."

Freeways are prohibited to pedestrians and cyclists, and those found to be walking along or across freeways can be arrested, according to Mr Shields.

"Any reckless action by a pedestrian along a roadway is considered a crime, so jaywalking is forbidden, and you can even be fined for walking while intoxicated. Pedestrians are required to observe all traffic lights and traffic control signals, and they should make use of pedestrian bridges where available — even if it means walking further," he said.