The allegations are rife that the statistics has been and is being rigged by the Department of Transport.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) or Department of Transport has at no stage rigged the statistics or even attempted to rig the statistics.
Statistics background
The RTMC gathers information in the "accident report forms" which are obtained from the various police stations where road accidents have been reported. Upon receipt of these "accident report forms" the RTMC then captures the information contained in the forms to determine the number of people who lost their lives in particular accidents. On a regular basis during the festive period the statistics released are in deed regarded as preliminary statistics.
The RTMC further receives the crash analysis system (CAS) analysis report from the South African Police Services (SAPS). This particular report assists with data validation of the information already received from the various police stations. The RTMC continuously make follow-ups on such unconfirmed accidents so as to continuously update the preliminary figures.
Clarification of current allegations
The RTMC maintains that as at 15 January 2009 the number of crashes for December 2008 was at 1 075 with 1 333 fatalities. However, as at 2 January 2009 the December statistics of 2008 were as follows:
* number of crashes was 688
* number of fatalities was 885 (see the breakdown in the provided press kits)
The statistics in question which were released on 4 January 2009 did not include the accident report forms that were still in progress, coming through from the various police stations. This is due to the fact that there are instances where an accident or accidents were reported (or are reported) without confirmation received of the people who died in a particular accident or accidents at the time. And in this instance we have 334 unconfirmed crashes that were registered as at 2 January 2009.
In general, it takes up to about 30 days after the end of the month to collect and capture the accident data for a particular month. Subsequent to this period the confirmed statistics is regarded final. Though on various occasions there might be minimal addition to the confirmed statistics.
Therefore, it cannot be true that the RTMC rigs or cooks the statistics as it has been recently alleged. The RTMC firmly disputes such allegations that the statistics is rigged.
In an endeavour to address the concerns, perceptions and allegations about the issue of statistics and rigging of statistics thereof, the RTMC is in the process of testing a system called the "real time accident reporting". This system amongst other things will achieve the following:
* capturing of accidents information on daily basis as received from the police stations and hospitals regarding fatalities and injuries
* providing of such captured information to interested parties and stakeholders affording them access to view the statistics real time and at will.
Notwithstanding the statement made by the concerned parties about rigging of statistics, the RTMC wishes to extend its appreciation for the constructive criticisms by our stakeholders and this further demonstrates the commitment and passion we all have in road safety.
Issued by: Road Traffic Management Corporation
6 January 2010
