Weekends continues to be the deadliest days of the week
Enough is enough. We will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in decisively eradicating lawlessness on our roads.- Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters.
TRANSPORT Minister, Dipuo Peters, announced the 2015/16 festive season road crash and fatality statistics during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, 12 January.
In the period of 1 December and 11 January the 1387 fatal crashes experienced on the roads represent an 11 per cent increase in the number of crashes compared to the 2014 festive season.
The stats show that of those who died, 38.3 per cent were passengers, 34.9 per cent were pedestrians, 23.9 per cent drivers and 2.8 per cent cyclists of which 75 per cent were men.
The highest number of fatalities occurred in KwaZulu-Natal despite being the only province that had a decline in the percentage of fatalities by 2 per cent.
The fatal road accidents occurred mostly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
A new phenomenon has come to the fore this year with most crashes, 51.4 per cent, occurred between 2pm and 11pm.
“This stark contrast to the norm might be confidently attributed to our relentless and resilient implementation of 24/7 enforcement,” said Peters.
Human factors contributed the most to the crashes with many collisions occurring as a result of jay-walking, speed that was too high for circumsatnces, overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic, hit and run and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The minister extended sincere condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones during this festive season.
“I also wish to commend the majority of motorists who behaved themselves during the festive period,” said Peters.
More updates to follow.
