WC Easter road deaths decreased

According to Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie, the WC road deaths during the Easter weekend went down by 30%.

ALSO READ: Transport Minister to release 2023 Easter road traffic statistics

26 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES IN WC OVER EASTER

Twenty six people have lost their lives in the WC over the Easter long weekend.

Mackenzie said that drunk driving remained an issue, as officials arrested an alarming 79 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol.

ALSO READ: RTMC: Over 699 arrests for traffic violations during Easter weekend

“We must all continue to take personal responsibility for being safe and avoiding the crashes that leads to these tragic fatalities. We want to thank the many law-abiding road users and all law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly over the Easter weekend to make our roads safer.”

On Sunday the department pleaded with motorists to stop drinking alcohol and driving. This is as traffic volumes were expected to increase from Sunday afternoon until Monday morning.

ALSO READ: WC traffic asks motorists to be cautious on the roads

DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON ON MEASURES TAKEN

Department spokesperson Jandre Bakker said they are optimistic about safety measures but were leaving nothing to chance.

“We remain on high alert, especially on long distance and public transport…we urge road users to be patient, rest regularly, buckle up, not to drink and drive and not to exceed the indicated speed limit, only to overtake where it is both lawful and safe.”

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N3 Toll Concession Operations manager, Thania Dhoogra said on Monday they have recorded over 1500 vehicles per hour heading north by the morning.

According to Gauteng Police spokesperson, Sello Maremane most accidents are a result of jaywalking, reckless driving, and ignoring traffic signals.