How Discovery Safe Journeys to School is protecting young lives on the road

South Africa has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world, and in 2023 alone, more than 10% of all road deaths were children under 14.

For many children, getting to school means navigating dangerous roads almost every day. Recognising this, the Discovery Fund launched Discovery Safe Journeys to School programme - a powerful initiative that provides safer school commutes for thousands of children.

This programme is a partnership between the Discovery Fund and Afrika Tikkun, with the aim of creating a nation of better drivers. This will lead to fewer accidents and safer journeys on South Africa's roads.

A purpose-driven partnership

The Discovery Safe Journeys to School is one of our Force for Good initiatives, built on our shared-value philosophy. We want everyone, including communities and society, to benefit from the value we add to our clients. One way of doing this is by making the roads safer for all who use them, including children getting to and from school.

Using technology to drive real change

This programme uses Discovery Insure's advanced telematics technology, combined with scholar transport driver education. Drivers who are part of the programme get comprehensive training in defensive driving, first aid and vehicle maintenance. In addition, like our Vitality Drive clients, their vehicles are fitted with telematics devices to monitor driving behaviours such as acceleration, braking, cornering and speeding.

The drivers also have access to Impact Alert, a Discovery Insure service that automatically contacts emergency services if an impact is detected. To ensure greater awareness of their driving, they also get ongoing feedback on their trip scores. Standout drivers also get quarterly and annual cash prizes to further motivate good driving behaviour.

Reaching more communities to save more lives

In November 2024, the Discovery Safe Journeys to School programme expanded to include Gauteng, in partnership with Afrika Tikkun. Areas covered include central Johannesburg, Orange Farm, Alexandra, and Diepsloot, where the need for safer school transport is high. This means the programme now has 796 drivers on board, and since its inception, the programme has transported over 24,000 scholars across the Western Cape and Gauteng.

The programme has maintained an impeccable safety record, with no fatalities or major accidents among participating drivers since inception. By promoting safe driving and helping make roads safer for all, Discovery Safe Journeys to School has become a community-driven initiative where everyone benefits, from school-going children to drivers and parents.

We look forward to expanding this initiative across South Africa so that all children can have safer school trips - and brighter futures.

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