Image Source: Engineering News
South Africa – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced that 512 people have tragically lost their lives on South African roads during the festive season so far, reflecting a 2.6% increase compared to the 499 fatalities recorded in the same period last year.
“It is regrettable to report that in spite of all the efforts we have made to heighten law enforcement through the effective coordination of law enforcement operations by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, we still have seen a significant increase in fatal road traffic crashes so far in the festive season,” said Minister Creecy.
Pedestrians made up 45.6% of the fatalities, followed by passengers (26.8%), drivers (26.7%), and cyclists (0.74%). Four major crashes, each involving five or more fatalities, resulted in 30 deaths. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape remain high-risk areas, alongside the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, which together accounted for 70% of all fatalities.
“Let us express our deepest condolences to all the families, friends and communities that are experiencing the pain and misery of loss at this time and hope that we all find support and strength to care for those injured among us.”
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Law Enforcement Efforts This Festive
Law enforcement efforts saw 575,227 vehicles stopped at 561 roadblocks nationwide. Despite an increase in arrests for drunk driving and speeding, challenges persist, including reckless pedestrian behaviour and inconsistent enforcement strategies.
“The number of arrests has increased from 2,386 recorded in 2023 to 3,063, again confirming our view that there has been an improvement in the enforcement of the rules of the road. However, we remain concerned about the high number of people who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and pedestrians who use roads recklessly.”
“A total of 941 drivers were arrested for drunk driving while 230 were arrested for driving at excessive speeds. A total of 98 pedestrians were arrested for crossing the roads where it is not safe to do so,” Creecy stated.
To address these challenges, enforcement will focus on suburbs, townships, and villages, with increased patrols and targeted interventions to reduce pedestrian and passenger fatalities.
“Law enforcement operations focusing on drunken driving and the wearing of seat belts will also be increased. We will also move the focus from roadblocks to visible patrols on all routes including alternative or secondary routes.”
“To ensure consistency of law enforcement, we have decided that provincial traffic departments should adopt the approach used by the RTMC to exercise oversight and coordinate with municipalities.”
Minister Creecy expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and commended the efforts of law enforcement and emergency personnel, as well as faith-based organisations, community-based organisations, the public transport industry, the freight industry, and the media for their contributions.
“I would like to remind everyone that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We should continue to remain on high alert until everyone has returned from holidays and for every single day that we spend on the road.”
