The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management is targeting less fatalities during this year’s festive season.
The province recorded 94 fatalities during the 2022/23 statistics, which was a 21% reduction when compared to 119 recorded during the 2021/22 period.
The department MEC Sello Lehari said safety is everybody’s responsibility and it is important for every citizen to play a role.
“Our target is to have less fatalities and improve from last year’s achievements as we had a reduction. Our main responsibility is to save people’s lives, and this can be achieved if they also play their role. Safety is a collective responsibility,” said Lehari, who was leading one of the festive joint operations in Mafikeng.
He also called on road users to play their role in ensuring safety of themselves and others during the festive season. During these operations road safety officers interact with motorists and encourage those driving long distances to rest every after two hours or 200 km of driving.
Meanwhile, the Director for Road Traffic Management, Paul Stone says the department will double its efforts to ensure a safer festive period.
“We are going to serve all our road users with care and dignity yet with no favour,” explained Stone.
The department’s operations will be boosted by the recently launched Eagles Special Unit that operates on 24-hour basis particularly on the N12, N4, N18 and N14.
Lehari said the unit is expected to increase traffic visibility on the major roads.
