The Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association reports that road accidents in South Africa are costing that country’s car rental industry more than 500-million rands (about $65 million) a year due to the abuse of rented vehicles, according to the South African Web site IOL.

Abuse and neglect of more than 12,000 vehicles per month cost the industry about R50-million (about $6,500,000) a month, according to association statistics. Car rental industry statistics show that the average repair costs for each vehicle was about R4,000 (about $570), which leads to an average downtime of four days per vehicle.

Avis South Africa managing director Wayne Duvenage said the industry recorded a 51 percent increase in the number of accidents, resulting in a hike in accident repair costs last year. He said challenges included the deterioration of roads, the malfunctioning of traffic lights and faded road markings, and lack of funding for repairs, were behind the sharp increase in accidents.

Poor law enforcement also encouraged lawless driving, according to the IOL site.