Drop in road deaths according to final statistics
The 2014 festive season has seen a drop in crashes and deaths on all major highways in South Africa.
THE 2014 festive season saw a drop in road deaths compared to the 2013 season. Fatal crashes decreased by 50, while fatalities decreased by 25.
From 1 December to 30 December 2014 there were 924 fatal crashes registered, with 1 143 fatalities. Last year during the same period 974 fatal crashes were registered, with 1 168 fatalities.
The Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, made a plea to all road users returning from their holiday destinations, as well as to those who are still on holiday, to ensure that they use roads responsibly and save lives.
On Sunday, 4 January most South Africans journeyed home to start work the following day. As a result most major roads and routes experienced high traffic volumes.
Major roads that experienced high traffic volumes included the N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo, the N1 between Gauteng, the Free State and the Western Cape, the N3 between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the N12 between Gauteng, the North West, the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, the N4 between Gauteng and the North West, and the N4 between Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
Peters thanked all road users who observed and obeyed the rules of the road, and cautioned those who continue to use the roads recklessly without any consideration for the law and the lives of other road users.
“Law enforcement officers will arrest and fine all those found transgressing traffic laws,” he said.
Peters added that of serious concern are drivers who are fatigued, those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, undocumented drivers and un-roadworthy vehicles.
He urged all road users to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, that they take regular breaks, and that they adhere to the speed limits and buckle up.
Furthermore, he warned pedestrians to only cross roads when it is safe to do so, adding that they must not drink and walk.
Peters asks road users to report blatant traffic offences, un-roadworthy vehicles or aggressive, irresponsible, negligent or reckless driving behaviour by calling 0861 400 800.
