Preliminary figures recorded by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) indicate that a total of 699 people died on the roads between 30 March and 20 April.
According to a statement by RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane, most crashes were recorded in KwaZulu Natal with 116 fatal crashes resulting in 148 fatalities. Gauteng was second with 119 fatalities from 100 crashes.
The Northern Cape and Free State recorded the lowest number of road deaths. The totals were 16 crashes and 19 fatalities in the Northern Cape while the Free State recorded 52 fatalities from 39 crashes.
Meanwhile the number of major crashes – crashes resulting in five or more deaths in a single incident, or crashes involving four or more vehicles in a single incident with a fatality – declined in March this year compared to the same period in previous years.
“Only eight major crashes were recorded in March this year compared to 12 in 2012, nine in 2013 and nine last year,” said Zwane.
According to Zwane, the number of fatalities from these crashes has also dropped with 38 people killed this year compared to 62 in 2012, 72 in 2013 and 39 last year.
“Half of all major crashes were reported in Limpopo and the Western Cape. The majority of these crashes involved head on collisions and instances where a single vehicle overturned.”
Zwane added that human error was the main contributing factor in major crashes with the driver driving in the wrong lane found in most cases.
RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi has urged motorists to avoid speeding and driving under the influence.
Msibi asked residents to ensure that their vehicles were fit and roadworthy before travelling, irrespective of the distance of the journey, and wear seatbelts
