Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has painted a stark picture of road safety during the 2024 festive season, revealing that Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo account for a staggering 70% of road fatalities in South Africa so far. These insights were shared during a mid-festive season road safety update held on Thursday at Touws River in the Western Cape, where Creecy was joined by her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

The update comes in the aftermath of a tragic accident on the N9 highway between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, which resulted in the loss of 15 lives. This devastating incident underscores the urgency of addressing road safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Rising Fatalities Highlight Festive Season Concerns

Since the start of December, South Africa has recorded 439 fatal crashes, a 3.1% increase from the 426 crashes reported during the same period in 2023. These crashes have led to the deaths of 512 individuals, compared to 499 last year—a 2.6% rise in fatalities. Minister Creecy noted that this significant uptick jeopardizes the goal of reducing fatalities during the festive season.

Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 45.6% of the fatalities. Passengers make up 26.8%, while drivers account for 26.7%, and cyclists represent 0.74% of the deaths recorded so far. These figures reveal the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of all road users, particularly during the festive season when traffic volumes increase significantly.

December Road Fatalities: Gauteng Tops the List of High-Risk Provinces

Gauteng has emerged as the province with the highest share of road fatalities, contributing 19% of the national total. KwaZulu-Natal follows with 15%, the Western Cape with 14%, and both the Eastern Cape and Limpopo with 11% each. The Free State and Mpumalanga account for 10% and 9%, respectively, while the North West contributed 7% and the Northern Cape the least with 4%.

These statistics highlight the need for targeted interventions in high-risk provinces. Gauteng’s position as the leader in fatalities reflects its dense population and high traffic volumes, making it a critical focus area for road safety efforts.

Shifting Strategies to Curb Fatalities

In light of these troubling statistics, Creecy announced a shift in the national transport department’s strategy. Following a meeting with provincial MECs, the department plans to intensify efforts to reduce pedestrian and passenger fatalities by focusing more on suburban, township, and village areas rather than just main arterial routes. This approach will include:

Increased law enforcement operations targeting drunken driving and seatbelt use.
Enhanced visibility through patrols on secondary and alternative routes.
A move from traditional roadblocks to broader traffic policing measures.

This change in approach aims to address the unique risks present in different environments, acknowledging that urban and rural areas often face distinct road safety challenges. By broadening the focus, the department hopes to make a more significant impact in reducing fatalities.

Improved Traffic Policing and Oversight

The minister emphasized the importance of resource coordination between provincial traffic departments and municipalities. The adoption of the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) oversight model will ensure that traffic policing resources are deployed effectively in high-risk areas. Provincial control rooms, staffed by senior traffic officers, will monitor the implementation of these measures and facilitate joint decision-making.

To address challenges with the 24/7 shift system in some provinces, Creecy announced plans to implement a flexible shift system to ensure traffic officers are visible and active at all hours. This initiative aims to maximize the impact of available resources and enhance the visibility of law enforcement on the roads.

A Call to Action for Motorists

Creecy reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility. She urged all South Africans to remain vigilant on the roads, not just during the holiday season but every day. “We must stay alert and responsible until every traveler has safely returned home,” she said.

Motorists are encouraged to prioritize safety by adhering to speed limits, avoiding distractions, and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy. Pedestrians should exercise caution, especially when crossing roads, and cyclists are reminded to use designated lanes and wear reflective gear.

Strengthening Public Awareness and Engagement

In addition to enforcement measures, the transport department plans to launch awareness campaigns to educate the public on road safety. These campaigns will target high-risk groups, such as pedestrians and young drivers, to promote responsible behavior on the roads. Partnerships with community organizations and local leaders will play a crucial role in spreading these messages.

The department also intends to engage with transport operators to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Long-distance bus and taxi operators, in particular, will be monitored closely to prevent overloading and reckless driving, which are significant contributors to accidents.

Conclusion

The preliminary figures highlight the critical need for collective action to address the alarming rise in road fatalities. With heightened measures in place, the transport department aims to curb further loss of life during the festive season and beyond. By combining enforcement, education, and community engagement, South Africa can take meaningful steps toward safer roads for all. Until then, Creecy’s reminder rings true: road safety is everyone’s responsibility.