The festive season has started on a bleak note, with the preliminary road statistics showing that in the first six days of this month, 162 fatal crashes and 193 deaths were recorded in the country.
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“To date, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have the highest number of accidents and fatalities, with a concentration of incidents in the metros. While current figures represent a decrease compared to the same period last year, these figures are still too high,” Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said on Monday.
Most accidents occur after dark
Addressing media during the Cross-Alive Road Safety campaign at the Lebombo Border Post, the Minister said the most recent data was collected at the end of Friday, 6 December, and preliminary analysis of the figures indicated a high number of buses and trucks involved in accidents, with most of the accidents occurring after dark.
“To rectify this situation, urgent meetings will be convened this week with bus and truck operators, as well as traffic management authorities in the provinces and metros concerned.
“Road traffic operations in the first five days of December stopped nearly 200 000 vehicles and made 512 arrests. The top five offences include speeding; driving without a seat belt; driving an unlicensed vehicle; driving without a driving licence and driving a vehicle with worn tyres,” Creecy said.
Mpumalanga accounted for the highest number of impounded vehicles with 267 vehicles being taken off the road.
“Government is working hard to increase traffic patrolling and law enforcement operations. However, government alone cannot change this reality. We can only save lives if road users change their behaviour, because it is the behaviour of people that leads to most of the deaths on our roads,” the Minister said.
Stay safe
She reiterated government’s message on road safety.
“Before any journey, check your vehicle and make sure it is roadworthy. Make sure your public driving permit is in order if you need one, and carry a valid driver’s licence.
“If you are a pedestrian this festive season, make smart choices. Only cross the road at a marked intersection or pedestrian crossing. Avoid jaywalking and wear bright clothing at night,” Creecy said.
She reminded those who will be getting behind the wheel on a long journey to take a break every two hours or every 200km.
“Remember, buckle up and stay within the speed limit. Do not overtake on a barrier line. Travel during the day – it is safer. If you are planning to party, please do not drink and drive. Please do not drink and walk. Stay over or appoint a designated driver who will not drink, or use public transport,” Creecy said.
Are you planning on travelling this festive season?
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