Traffic fatalities in the Western Cape surged from 131 last year to 164 between 1 December 2023 and 11 January 2024.
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Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape minister of mobility, attributes the increase to ‘deeply problematic’ road behaviour despite the department’s significant road safety efforts. ‘We have a long way to go to turn the tide on poor road user behaviour.’
There were 108 fatalities on municipal roads, a stark increase from 65 fatalities last year. A total of 56 fatalities occurred on provincial roads, compared to 63 fatalities over the 2022 to 2023 festive season.
‘Although we welcome this 11% decrease in fatalities on provincial roads, one death on our roads is one too many. My prayers and thoughts are with those who are mourning their loved ones, and best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who have been injured in traffic crashes over the last few weeks.’
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As per the Western Cape Government’s latest statistics, provincial traffic officers conducted the following operations:
- Stopped and checked 271 698 vehicles
- Issued nearly 90 000 fines
- Made 576 arrests for drunk driving
- Made 64 arrests for reckless and negligent driving
- Removed about 1 000 unroadworthy vehicles
‘For the first time in years, festive season road crashes occurred at all hours of the day, instead of predominantly at night,’ says Mackenzie.
‘This concerning trend reiterates the need for an effective 24/7 law enforcement service, which our provincial traffic services currently deliver. Their visible deployment on all major routes in the province creates a continuous and omnipresent safety force for our residents and visitors.’
Mackenzie also highlighted the collaborative efforts of ground teams, such as an integrated fatigue management operation on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka.
‘Our provincial traffic officers worked alongside members of the South African Police Service to stop drivers for enforced rest breaks during their travel, while provincial regulatory entity officials checked public transport documentation and compliance.’
Furthermore, the following offences were also noted during the festive period:
- 12 arrests for bribery
- 4 512 fines issued for tyre defects
- 105 arrests for fraudulent documentation
- 13 781 seatbelt offences (including drivers and front- and rear passengers)
- 13 860 unlicensed vehicle offences (an increase from 8 579 last year)
- Four arrests of pedestrians
‘Many fatal traffic incidents could be prevented by simple actions, which served as my call to action over this period: check your vehicle and tyres, buckle up, do not drink and drive, do not speed or take chances overtaking dangerously, and stop and rest every 200km,’ he adds.
‘I am extremely concerned about the continuing vulnerability of pedestrians, who accounted for over 50% of all fatalities. Furthermore, 22 of these pedestrian deaths were ‘hit-and-runs.’ It is the responsibility of the driver to report such an incident, even if they are unable to stop due to safety concerns.
‘We were equally worried that many motorists seemed to be particularly careless this festive season, which also saw an increase in the arrests for reckless and negligent driving.
‘As I share this feedback from the festive season, our Traffic Management team is already preparing for an increase in travel over the Easter and school holiday period, using these data and learnings to inform the tactical plans. As we prepare to keep everyone safe while they travel, I sincerely hope that road users will likewise be prepared to travel safely.’
‘The actions required to prevent further senseless road deaths are simple – whether it’s checking vehicle roadworthiness or buckling up. We all have to take responsibility for turning the tide on this epidemic.’
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Also read:
14 pedestrians among the 21 casualties on Western Cape roads
