Gauteng and Cape Town Had the Most Car Accidents in 2023

Budget Insurance has released its findings based on accidents reported in 2023 to determine which provinces and cities have the best drivers. 

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According to accident claims data from 2023, the Northern Cape, Freestate and Limpopo are the three provinces with the lowest number of accident claims which is logical considering the amount of registered vehicles on the roads in these provinces. Additionally, East London, Rustenburg, Centurion, and Pietermaritzburg were highlighted as cities with the lowest accident claims in 2023. 

“Music can make car journeys good fun, but do consider the below safety measures to help you keep your cool and ensure you are driving like a Good South African each time you’re behind the wheel.” – Head of Budget Insurance, Tyrone Lowther. 

In contrast, the provinces with the highest number of accident claims, in ascending order, were KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng. In terms of the cities with the “worst” drivers, again in ascending order, were Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. Interestingly, over the last two years, several provinces’ number of accident claims has increased. Mpumalanga saw a 31% increase, the Western Cape rose by 22%, and Gaunteng increased by 22%. Budget Insurance has also highlighted the increases in various cities, such as Centurion increased by 54%, Rustenburg experienced an increase of 39%, and Cape Town’s accident claim figures by 36%. 

Here is a list ranking each province from the least to most car accidents: 

1. Northern Cape
2. Free State
3. Limpopo
4. North West
5. Mpumalanga
6. Eastern Cape
7. Kwa-Zulu Natal
8. Western Cape
9. Gauteng

This is how the major cities rank, ranging from least to most: 

1. Rustenburg
2. Centurion
3. Pietermaritzburg
4. Port Elizabeth
5. Bloemfontein
6. Durban
7. Johannesburg
8. Pretoria
9. Cape Town

Interestingly, Budget Insurance has also stated that the music that drivers listen to affects their driving. Data suggested that hip hop was the most distracting music genre, whereas R&B and gospel were “good genres for driving to”. 

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