Quantum leap in Easter road deaths this year

More than 230 people were killed on South African roads this Easter, up 51% compared to the same period last year, Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi revealed yesterday.

“In total, the number of fatalities increased by 79 (51%) from 156 over the same period the previous year to 235 this year.

“However, this year's fatalities were still significantly lower than the 333 fatalities recorded in 2015,” he said in Pretoria.

“Our preliminary report shows that many people who died on our roads were victims of hit-and-run incidents, jaywalking or motorists who were driving at speeds that were too high for the circumstances.”

He said the report also revealed a new pattern in that crashes had shifted from identified hotspots onto new routes and built-up areas and had taken place at times that previously not many accidents had happened.

"Very glaringly, most crashes and fatalities happened in residential areas and remote areas and, very interestingly, from 11pm/midnight until 5am.

“This new phenomenon requires us to spread our wings, informed by uniform working norms and standards," said Maswanganyi.

“Our statistics also show that fatalities increased in all provinces, with the exception of Free State.”

The Easter period saw a remarkable increase in the number of vehicles on roads across the country.

“The total number of registered vehicles on March 31, stood at 12 047 404, compared to 11 818 124 in the same period of 2016.

“The number of registered drivers had increased by 507 002, presenting a new total of 12 283 777,” said Maswanganyi.

“A total of 174 253 vehicles were stopped and checked with the intention to remove unroadworthy vehicles from our roads in all provinces.” – ANA