Releasing the report on Wednesday at a media briefing in Tshwane, Transport Minister Blade Nzimande said the Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape recorded the highest percentage increases in fatalities.
“This resulted in an 80 per cent increase in Northern Cape from 30 to 54 fatalities. The Free State increased by 28 per cent moving from 124 fatalities in the previous year to 159 this year, while the Eastern Cape recorded a 22 per cent increase moving from 195 fatalities to 238,” the Minister said.
The report indicates that Gauteng and the North West were the only provinces that recorded percentage decreases in the number of fatalities.
“Gauteng recorded a commendable 19 per cent decrease while the North West recorded only a two per cent decrease,” Nzimande said.
The preliminary figures for this past festive season indicate that South Africans have managed to reduce crashes and fatalities from what it was at mid-point of the festive period.
“At the mid-point of the season in December last year, we reported that crashes had increased by 5 per cent and fatalities by 16 per cent. We managed to reduce crashes by two per cent and seven per cent for fatalities,” he said.
The reduction was a result of the increased law enforcement operations, the introduction of the 24/7 shift as well as the rollout of the Evidential Breath Alcohol Test (EBAT) to deal with drinking and driving.
According to the report, at least 36 per cent of people dying from road-related incidents were passengers. This in an increase from the 34 per cent recorded last year.
Interventions implemented on the roads
According to Nzimande during the festive season, the government increased law enforcement patrols and visibility on major routes such as the N1, N3 and N4 in an effort to reduce the number of accidents.
There were 775 roadblocks conducted compared to 440 the previous year; 1 358 619 vehicles were stopped and checked compared to 1 281 062 the previous year.
A total of 765 009 notices were issued compared to 290 023 the previous year; 4 016 vehicles were discontinued compared to 3 809 the previous year and 2 967 vehicles were impounded compared to 2 808 the previous year.
“We continue to review our policies and legislation that are aimed at improving safety on our roads through proper infrastructure, ensuring safer vehicles, influence road user behaviour and ensuring a proper post-crash response,” the Minister said.
