Easter Road Safety Campaign: Number of fatalities decreased across all provinces

The report covers the period from 18 April to 22 April and shows that the number of fatalities across all provinces decreased by 48%. The figure dropped from 309 deaths in 2018 to 162 in 2019.

More than 177 000 vehicles were stopped over the Easter period, approximatley 27 000 more than the previous year’s figure of 150 103.

Fatalities and accidents

KwaZulu Natal and Limpopo in the lead with the highest decrease in figures – 41 fatalities were recorded in Limpopo, followed by 33 in KwaZulu Natal.

In addition, the percentage of crashes on the road decreased from 238 in 2018 to 128 in 2019. That translates to a 46% drop in road accidents.

“Although we have significantly reduced our crashes and fatalities on our roads, we can still do more to eradicate this calamity on our roads because one death is one too many.” 

Limpopo showed the highest decrease with 27 crashes, followed by 21 recorded crashes in KwaZulu Natal. Nzimande added that men contributed 72% in crashes, while 15% of recorded crashes are attributed to women.

Drunken driving arrests

“We are encouraged by the behaviour of the majority of motorists and all road users, who showed a willingness to obey the rules of the road.”

However, not all showed that willingness. According to the report, 807 drivers were arrested for drunken driving, with the highest alcohol readings – 2.64mg/1000ml – reported in Gauteng.

Limpopo and Mpumalanga had the lowest alcohol readings, with 1.9mg/1000ml and 0.92mg/1000ml respectively.

Throughout the year, a total of 1 343 arrests were recorded for 2019, compared to the 1 598 during the previous year.

Speeding

About 192 drivers were arrested for speeding, again with Gauteng at the forefront. The highest recorded speed in Gauteng was 203 km/h, followed by the Western Cape’s 202 km/h.

Transport Minister, Dr. Bonginkosi Blade Nzimande: 192 drivers were arrested for speeding. #ArriveAlive #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/KYWLP2uBS2

— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) May 2, 2019

National database for traffic offences

Minister Nzimande called on all South Africans to take responsibility and warns that the Department of Transport is earnestly working towards a national database for traffic offences.

This will include a points demerit system. Minster Nzimande said the department will “move with speed” on this initiative as the current system “is a problem.”

“We need to move with speed on this. This is completely unacceptable. When I check traffic offences in KZN, they can only pick up KZN offences. They can’t pick up offences committed in [other provinces.] It’s a problem.”

WATCH: Transport Minister, Dr. Bonginkosi Blade Nzimande calls on South Africans to take responsibility when using the roads #ArriveAlive #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/pTdgo6ZBSh

— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) May 2, 2019