South Africa Declared Most Dangerous Country for Drivers; India Ranked Fifth Worst

March 29, 2025

Recent findings from a survey conducted by Zutobi, a U.S.-based driver training company, reveal that South Africa is the most dangerous country to drive in out of 53 analyzed nations. Norway, on the other hand, retains its position as the safest country for drivers. Notably, India has been ranked fifth worst in this annual survey, following South Africa, Brazil, Thailand, and Mexico.

Survey Insights

According to the Zutobi report, South Africa's continued poor ranking reflects longstanding issues such as high road traffic death rates and insufficient enforcement of road safety laws. The survey examined various factors, including motorway speed limits, blood alcohol concentration limits for drivers, and the incidence of road traffic deaths, to assess driving safety across countries.

Despite an overall decline in the average number of estimated road traffic deaths per 100,000 people worldwide—from 8.9 to 6.3—concerns remain anchored in countries where drivers face significant risks. South Africa's average annual road fatalities are exacerbated by corruption among traffic enforcement officials, as reported by Alisha Chinnah, an industry professional who specializes in vehicle licensing. She noted that many drivers in South Africa frequently discuss the lack of enforcement of existing laws due to bribery and corruption.

Rankings Overview

In terms of relative safety, the rankings show South Africa at the bottom, while India sits in the 49th position, categorized as the fifth most dangerous country to drive in. Surprisingly, the United States ranks higher at 51st, indicating that not all developed nations inherently provide safer driving conditions. Norway’s dominance in the safety rankings for the fourth consecutive year underscores its effective road safety policies and low traffic mortality rates.

Conclusion

The Zutobi survey highlights critical insights into global driving conditions, emphasizing the disparity in road safety across different countries. As nations strive to improve driving conditions and reduce traffic fatalities, awareness and enforcement of road safety laws remain paramount, particularly in countries like South Africa and India, where serious challenges persist.

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