Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says pedestrian fatalities remain one of the biggest challenges in government’s efforts to reduce road deaths during the festive season.
Creecy was briefing the media at a roadblock on the N2 in Somerset West in the Western Cape, where she provided an update on the mid-festive season preliminary road safety figures.
Largest share of deaths
Early data shows that road fatalities have dropped by just over 20% compared to the same period last year.
According to the minister, 635 people died on South Africa’s roads during this period last year, compared to 505 this year.
Despite the improvement, Creecy said pedestrians continue to account for the largest share of deaths.
“The majority who die are still pedestrians. Then it’s hit-and-run, which is usually involving pedestrians. So the area where we need to work on is both driver and pedestrian behaviour,” she said.
Drunk Driving Arrests
Creecy revealed that more than 2 300 motorists have been arrested for driving under the influence since the start of the festive season, as authorities intensify law enforcement across the country.
“We have arrested 2 364 drunk drivers, 236 for excessive speed, 178 for reckless and negligent driving, 53 pedestrians for walking on a highway, and 26 motorists for attempting to bribe traffic officers,” she said.
Highlighting some of the most serious offences, Creecy said the highest speeding violation was recorded in Gauteng, where a female driver was caught travelling at 193km/h in a 120km/h zone.
In the Eastern Cape, a man was arrested for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 2.38 milligrams per 1 000 litres, which Creecy said was approximately 10 times over the legal limit.
Law enforcement operations will continue throughout the festive season, with authorities urging motorists and pedestrians alike to obey traffic laws and prioritise safety on the roads.
Have you noticed a reduction – or increase – in reckless driving this festive season?
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