Minister Nzimande was briefing the media on the preliminary report on the 2018 Easter Road Safety Campaign in Cape Town.
“A total number of 510 fatalities were recorded from March 29 to April 9 which represents a 14% increase when compared to the 449 who died in the same period last year,” said Nzimande.
The preliminary report gave an overview of joint multi-faceted law enforcement, education and awareness operations undertaken over the Easter period throughout the country and a comparison and analysis of the successes and shortcomings of the campaign.
Minister Nzimande stated that as the department they are disappointed that they did not meet the 10% reduction in fatalities that they had set for themselves.
“The preliminary report shows that the main contributory factors to road fatalities are related to human behaviour, with male drivers accounting for 71,1% of fatalities and females for 24,1%. In 2018, human factor contributed 89,5% to the crashes as compared to 74,3% in 2017. The number of jay-walking pedestrians killed on our roads also increased to 38% as compared to 25,2% in 2017,” said Nzimande.
At least 150,103 vehicles were stopped while 109,771 traffic fines were issued. “We have also arrested 3208 drivers driving unlicensed vehicles, 300 Drivers without licenses; 2344 drivers without fastening seat belts & 1698 driving with worn tires,” said Nzimande.
During the Easter weekend, over 18, 900 law-enforcement officers were deployed countrywide through the Department and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to ensure the safety of road users.
The highest percentage increase in fatalities was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal by 111 followed by Gauteng province.
KwaZulu Natal – 111
Gauteng – 89
Limpopo – 80
Eastern Cape – 59
Mpumalanga – 49
Western Cape – 34
North West – 34
Free State – 27
Northern Cape – 27
Source: News24