While the death toll on national roads continues to rise, the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa has recorded in excess of 2 500 deaths over the Easter Weekend in the last decade.
Also Read: Traffic officials gearing up for increased volumes over Easter weekend
According to statistics from the AA, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) recorded 270 deaths on South African Roads over the Easter period in 2021 and 162 last year.
It stated that the increase in traffic over the Easter break led to an increase in the number of fatal crashes and road fatalities over this period.
‘While traffic law enforcement is enhanced this weekend, many road users continue to disobey the rules of the road and to disregard their own and other road users’ safety. We, therefore, urge motorists, those on motorbikes and pedestrians to be mindful of the increase in traffic volumes, and to ensure they are cautious and always focused on the road when travelling,’ the AA said.
Only three deaths were reported on the Western Cape roads by late yesterday afternoon and 34 were recorded last year.
Spokesperson for the Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Rebecca Campbell said a pedestrian was knocked down when crossing the road to urinate near Matjiesfontein on N1 early on Friday morning.
‘The other incident was when a vehicle made a U-turn on the N1 near Worcester, killing that driver when colliding with another oncoming vehicle. A report of another accident on the N1 between Beaufort West and Three Sisters — a motorcycle that drove into a truck. We don’t have all the details yet, but one fatality is confirmed,’ she said.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness also encouraged residents to play their part to keep themselves, the people they care about, and all road users safe with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel hard at work to provide essential ambulance services and special operations in communities.
‘We all have an individual responsibility to help mitigate the risk of preventable injuries by working together and showing consideration and respect for everyone. Let us travel and celebrate responsibly, as we also spare a thought for all law enforcement and medical personnel who will be on duty during this time to keep us safe and help us in emergency situations,’ said the department.
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