Cape Town – South Africa has recorded 10,154 road deaths so far in 2024, prompting Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to unveil intensified road safety measures ahead of the festive season.
Speaking at the launch of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Pretoria on Sunday, Creecy announced round-the-clock traffic policing on 20 high-risk routes identified as accident hotspots. These measures will include strict enforcement of speed limits, vehicle inspections, and drunk driving laws.
“The best research available tells us that most crashes occur during weekends, late at night and in the early hours of the morning. Accordingly, 24/7 traffic policing will be conducted on these routes over the festive season,” Creecy said.
She added: “Law enforcement will focus on ensuring that drivers stick to the speed limits. Traffic officers will also inspect vehicles and lock up those caught in the act of drunk driving. Law enforcement will also be focused on border posts which experience a large increase in traffic during this time of year.
“We are working together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as well as municipal and provincial departments responsible for transport and road safety to ensure that government does its utmost to enforce the law.”
The campaign also targets border posts, which are expected to see increased traffic, and involves collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and provincial and municipal transport departments.
FESTIVE SEASON ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
WATCH: Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy addressing members of the media#ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/6hGdu54V6H
— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) December 1, 2024
Last year, road crashes cost the economy R205 billion, equivalent to 2.74% of South Africa’s GDP. Creecy said changing road user behavior is crucial to reducing fatalities, which stood at 11,883 in 2023—a 4.4% decrease from 2022.
“Government alone cannot change this reality. We can only save lives if road users change their behavior,” she said.
The minister emphasised the importance of responsible driving and pedestrian safety, urging road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, avoid drinking and driving, and adhere to speed limits. Pedestrians were advised to use designated crossings and avoid walking while intoxicated.
“Fatigue is a silent killer. Rest every two hours during long trips and travel during the day, which is safer than at night,” Creecy advised.
The campaign’s four pillars include responsible driving, pedestrian safety, law enforcement, and public education, supported by partnerships with civil society and the private sector.
Creecy said these interventions aim to change driver behavior and prevent further loss of life during the festive season.
