Analysis of the scientific aspects related to minibus taxi collisions

Abstract

Paper presented at the 26th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 9 - 12 July 2007 "The challenges of implementing policy?", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa. ABSTRACT: A study recently done by the Automobile Association of South Africa recorded an annual total of 70 000 minibus taxi crashes which indicates that taxis in SA amount for double the rate of crashes than all other passenger vehicles. Detailed accident data is not available for this category of vehicle, so there is insufficient evidence to support a clear cause for the number of fatalities in minibus taxi accidents. Any crash results from a combination of circumstances converging to a point where the driver does not have the skills or the options to avoid the crash. Systematic investigation is necessary to identify patterns of failure resulting in a crash. This could be associated with driver behaviour, road conditions or/and vehicle features. This paper is a follow up of the paper presented at SATC 2006 and will examine police records and case studies of minibus taxi accidents to scientifically identify any trends and factors causing these accidents. Crucial new evidence has emerged during this investigation.