Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga announced a 1.7% reduction in road fatalities during the festive season, with 1,427 people losing their lives in more than 1,100 accidents on South African roads. The statistics were revealed at the N1 Grasmere Toll Gate during the release of the 2023/24 festive season road traffic report.
Chikunga noted that most fatalities occurred in the first, third, and fourth weeks of December, with Sundays witnessing the highest number of crashes, reflecting a new trend.
The first week, associated with the payday weekend and year-end parties, contributed to a spike in fatalities. The third week, which included a long weekend, industry closures, and increased travel, also saw a rise in accidents. The fourth week, incorporating the Christmas long weekend, witnessed a significant increase in traffic volumes and festivities. Chikunga highlighted that crashes were most prevalent between 19:00 and 22:00, peaking from 20:00 to 21:00.
While 1,427 people died during the festive season, Chikunga emphasized a 1.7% reduction compared to the previous year’s 1,452 fatalities. Five provinces, namely the Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo, and North West, reported fewer fatalities, with the Eastern Cape surpassing its target to reduce fatalities by at least 18.6%.
Chikunga pointed out notable incidents during the season, such as a driver arrested for traveling at 225 km/h on the N1 in Limpopo. Additionally, the minister reported the arrest of the “drunkest driver” on the R409 in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, registering an alcohol level of 2.48mg/1,000ml, far exceeding the legal limit of 0.24mg per 1,000ml of breath.
Examining contributing factors, Chikunga highlighted human factors accounting for 80.8% of the crashes, while environmental factors like heavy rainfall and storms contributed to 10.4%, and vehicle factors contributed 8.8%. Pedestrians constituted 40.9% of fatalities, passengers 33.6%, drivers 24.6%, and cyclists 0.8%. Notably, the majority of those who died were in the age group of 25 to 44.
