Since the launch of the Road Safety Safer Festive Season Campaign in the Northern Cape, more that 50% of deaths from fatal crashes are drivers, with a high percentage of pedestrians also being victims.
As on Wednesday, 4 January, more than 34 fatal crashes were recorded since the campaign was launched on 8 December. The highest number of crashes and deaths occurred in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, said the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison in a press release.
The department stated that most fatal crashes took place between Thursday nights and Saturday nights with human behaviour being the number one contributor.
According to the department many residents of the province, as well as visitors, will be traveling back from their holiday destinations over the weekend and the coming week. This will lead to an increase of traffic on Northern Cape roads.
Economic activities are also starting to pick up, leading to an increase of trucks on the roads, especially the R31 between Kimberley and Kuruman, the N10 leading to the Eastern Cape and the N1 between Colesberg and Three Sisters.
So far, law enforcement officers have stopped over 18 000 vehicles, issued over 1 200 notices and arrested eight persons – mostly for excessive speeding.
The highest speed transgression recorded was on the N1 where a person drove 184 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.
Road traffic law enforcement officers will be out on full force until 15 January.
The department repeats its clarion call to all road user to obey the rules of the road, and give the following tips:
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before embarking on any journey.
- Maintain the designated speed limit as indicated on the side of the road.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Do not overload vehicles.
- Ensure that you get sufficient rest when travelling long distances.
- Be on the lookout for stray animals on the side of the road.
- Exercise patience on the roads.
- Pedestrians must wear visible clothing when walking next to the roads, and must not drink and walk on the roads, especially during night-time.
The final verified number of fatal crashes and fatalities recorded will be announced before the end of January 2023, said the department.
