Following the festive season buzz, Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters made a plea to road users.
Peters said road users should use the road responsibly and stay safe.
“Since the beginning of the festive season, we have seen an overall decrease in the number of fatal crashes on our roads as compared to previous years,” said Peters in a statement.
The minister informed that from 1 December to 28 December, 924 fatal crashes were registered with 1 143 fatalities while in 2013 during the same period under review 974 fatal crashes were registered with 1 168 fatalities.
This demonstrates a reduction of 50 fatal crashes and 25 fatalities, she said.
Peters is concerned about irresponsible drivers.
“But of [more]serious concern are the drivers who are fatigued, who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, undocumented drivers as well as unroadworthy vehicles,” she said.
Going forward, she urged all road users to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, that they take regular breaks and adhere to the speed limit and buckle-up.
She stated that pedestrians must not cross the road when it is not safe to do so.
Peters advises all road users to report blatant traffic offences, unroadworthy vehicles or aggressive, irresponsible, negligent or reckless driving behaviour by calling
0861 400 800.
“Remember we are all ambassadors of road safety and together we can save lives and move South Africa forward,” she said.
