Sanral CEO Reginald Demana and Transport Minister Creecy at a traffic control spot outside Touws River.
TRANSPORT Minister Barbra Creecy is worried about the rise in road deaths in the country, which comes ahead of the peak traffic expected on Mzansi roads this weekend.
The minister was in the Touws River area, 200km from Cape Town, as part of the Safe Festive Season Campaign with provincial officials on Wednesday, 19 December.
During the event, Creecy highlighted the need to improve strategies as road deaths are already on the rise.
“A total of 439 fatal crashes have been recorded, a 3,1% increase compared to 426 fatal crashes recorded in the same period last year. These crashes have resulted in 512 people dying on the roads so far, compared to 499 last year.
“This is a statistically significant 2,6% increase in fatalities, threatening our expectations to have fewer fatalities over this season. The majority of those who died were pedestrians (45,6%), followed by passengers (26,8%), drivers (26,7%), and cyclists (0,74%),” Creecy said.
The minister also voiced concerns about speeding and drunk driving as causes of accidents. She said more than 45% of road deaths are pedestrians who cross using unsafe places.
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“A total of 941 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, while 230 were arrested for excessive speeding. Ninety-eight pedestrians were arrested for crossing roads unsafely,” Creecy said.
Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo account for 70% of all fatalities so far. Creecy said the long weekend, from 13 to 16 December, put their safety plan to the test, and authorities will address areas needing improvement for the two peak periods starting from tomorrow, 20 to 24 December.
Another peak will occur on 2 to 3 January when holidaymakers return home.
“Our evaluation shows that our plan is holding firm, despite challenges with inconsistent implementation of the 24/7 shift system by provinces, pedestrian behaviour, and the conduct of truck and public transport drivers,” said the minister.
Creecy also extended condolences to the victims of an accident on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, where 15 people died over the weekend.
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