Gauteng records 30 crashes resulting in 36 fatalities amid Easter

The Gauteng Traffic Police has continued reinforcing law enforcement operations in the province.

This comes after a high number of reported crashes that led to major loss of life during the Easter weekend.

The Gauteng Traffic Police has since adopted 365 days towards making road safety a priority. Major roads reportedly experienced an increase in traffic volumes during the Easter season.

Sello Maremane of Gauteng Traffic Police said they have noted that no fatalities were reported during huge traffic volumes on April 1.

However, he said fatalities were experienced on April 2 between 6pm and 10pm. This, according to Maremane, was a result of people driving under the influence of alcohol.

“According to preliminary Easter season road safety statistics, Gauteng recorded 30 crashes resulting in 36 fatalities. While the figures are relatively high, the law enforcement authorities have observed that significant amount of work has been done to reduce the number of crashes leading to fatalities,” he said.

The Gauteng Traffic Police has also noted that pedestrian fatalities increased by 35 per cent from a 30 per cent recorded in 2019.

“What is of concern is that most of these fatalities occurred between midnight and the early hours of the morning. This is when people were expected to adhere to the curfew put in place by government to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 virus. It is encouraging that passenger fatalities declined from 38 per cent to 34 per cent,” he said.

According to Maremane, deaths among vehicle drivers and cyclists remained unchanged at around 30 per cent and one per cent respectively.

He reiterated that many road crashes leading to fatalities experienced during the Easter season are attributed to attitude, vehicle as well as or road factors.

“However, we are encouraged that the use of technology on Gauteng roads has assisted to ensure vehicles that are not roadworthy are discontinued, drunken drivers and speedsters are apprehended and locked behind bars.”

The Gauteng Traffic Police extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones during the Easter period.