A Legacy of Road Safety: Reflecting on Chris Barry’s Call for Change

As we reflect on the words of Beqfin’s founder, Chris Barry, it becomes increasingly clear that his vision for safer roads is as relevant today as it was when he penned his open letter to the Minister of Transport in February 2016. Now, with the recent appointment of Ms. Barbara Creecy as Minister of Transport on 3 July 2024, there is a renewed sense of hope that the necessary changes will be made to prevent another festive season marred by road fatalities.

Chris was never one to follow the crowd. His thinking about the trucking and road business was not the standard everyone adhered to – he consistently thought outside the box and challenged the status quo. It was this innovative mindset that made him a leader in his field. Chris believed in not just patching over problems but addressing their root causes, ensuring long-term solutions that would improve the safety and wellbeing of all road users. His approach to road safety was grounded in practicality and integrity, values that continue to influence Beqfin’s operations today.

In his open letter, Chris highlighted the tragic loss of 1,755 lives during the 2015/2016 festive season, despite the significant efforts of emergency services and the thousands of arrests made for speeding, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles. He made it clear that while punitive measures may show some immediate results, they are not enough to address the root causes of road carnage. As Chris boldly pointed out, “punitive measures are not working – they never have, and it’s clear that they never will.” This sentiment rings true, even eight years later.

One of the key points raised by Chris is the absence of widespread driver education. Without a continuous effort to educate drivers about the importance of road safety – beyond mere compliance with the law – we will continue to see lives lost unnecessarily. For example, drivers must be taught not only to buckle up but also to understand the life-saving significance of seatbelts, even for short trips.

But the issue goes deeper. Corruption at licensing stations remains a major challenge. When bribery is easier than following the rules, it undermines road safety at its core. It’s time to focus on creating a culture of integrity within the traffic enforcement system. We need to ensure that traffic officials are well-trained, adequately compensated, and committed to upholding the law, safeguarding all road users.

Additionally, a broader approach to road safety education must be taken. Chris questioned why the Department of Transport had not partnered with the Department of Basic Education to integrate citizenship and road safety into school curriculums. Teaching respect for fellow road users from a young age could be pivotal in changing driving behaviour for future generations.

With the recent appointment of a new minister, we hope for a fresh approach to tackling the recurring issue of road deaths. Frequent roadworthiness tests and enhanced enforcement strategies are essential. But equally important is the education of drivers on why adherence to the rules of the road is about protecting lives, not just avoiding fines.

As we reshare Chris Barry’s powerful words, we invite readers to reflect on his vision and legacy. His out-of-the-box thinking and relentless questioning of traditional methods continue to serve as a beacon of hope for a safer, smarter road safety system in South Africa.

The full article written by Chris Barry can be found here: https://www.autoforum.co.za/View-News-Article.aspx?News=opinion-an-open-letter-to-the-transport-minister-16-36-12

Let us hope that with new leadership and a renewed focus on integrity and education, Chris Barry’s open letter will no longer be necessary as we approach the 2024 festive season.