The Minister of Transport, Ms. Dipuo Peters, makes an impassionate plea to all road users, as they return from their holiday destinations and to those who are still on holiday to ensure that they use our roads responsibly and save lives.
Yesterday, the 4th January 2015, most South Africans commenced with their journeys back to their homes and work places. As a result most of our major roads and routes were experiencing high traffic volumes.
Our major roads that experienced high traffic volumes includes:
N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo
N1 between Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape
N3 between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal
N12 between Gauteng, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape
N4 between Gauteng and North West
N4 between Gauteng and Mpumalanga
Minister Peters thanks all road users who observed and obeyed the rules of the road. Equally, the Minister sends caution to those who still use our roads recklessly without any consideration for the law and the lives of other road uses.
Law enforcement officers will ensure that they arrest and fine all those found transgressing our traffic laws.
Since the beginning of the festive season, we have seen an overall decrease in the number of fatal crashes on our roads as compared to previous years.
In the period, 01 December 2014 to 30 December 2014, we have registered 924 fatal crashes with 1143 fatalities whilst last year during the same period under review we registered 974 fatal crashes with 1168 fatalities. This demonstrates a reduction of 50 fatal crashes and 25 fatalities.
But of serious concern are the drivers who are fatigued, who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, undocumented drivers as well as un-roadworthy vehicles.
Minister Peters urges all road users to ensure that their vehicles are road-worthy, that they take regular breaks and adhere to the speed limit and buckle-up.
Furthermore that pedestrians must ensure that they must not cross the road when it is not safe to do so, they must not drink and drive, they must not drink and walk.
Minister Peters urges all road uses to report blatant traffic offences, un-roadworthy vehicles or aggressive, irresponsible, negligent or reckless driving behavior by calling 0861 400 800.
Remember we are all ambassadors of road safety and together we can save lives and move South Africa forward.
Ishmael Mnisi 0725660827
Department of Transport
159 Forum Building
Pretoria
0001