Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has revealed that 1 427 people lost their lives on the country’s roads during the festive season.
The number of fatal crashes experienced over the 2023/24 festive period is 1 184 which represent a 2,3% decline compared to the 2022/23 festive season where 1 212 crashes were recorded.
According to Chikunga, this decline was made possible by the intensified law enforcement operations conducted and the high police visibility throughout the country.
The minister highlighted that most of the crashes occurred in the first week (December 01 to 07), the third week (December 15 to 21) and the fourth week (December 22 to 28).
According to the statistics, most crashes took place between 19H00 and 22H00 with the peak between 20H00 and 21H00, and most fatalities were recorded on Sundays.
Chikunga said the Free State, Eastern Cape, Northen Cape, Limpopo, and North West recorded fewer fatalities while other provinces recorded increases.
“Free State recorded a 27.4% decline, Eastern Cape recorded a 21.5% decline, Northern Cape recorded a 15.7% decline, Limpopo recorded an 8.4% decline. North West recorded a 2.1% decline, Gauteng recorded a 7.6% increase, KwaZulu Natal recorded a 4.2% increase, Mpumalanga recorded a 9.7% increase, while Western Cape recorded a 22.6% increase,” explained the minister.
“The statistics revealed that human factors contributed to most of the crashes, followed by environmental, vehicle, pedestrians, passengers, drivers and cyclists factors. The minister attributed the decline in the numbers to the department’s “relentless law enforcement as well as education and awareness campaigns.”
According to the minister, the road crashes, fatalities, and injuries are costing the country billions of rands, placing an enormous burden on health and social services.
