Decline in accidents, fatalities in KZN

ROAD accidents and fatalities in KZN decreased by 10% over the 2017/18 festive period compared to the previous year.

This was revealed by the Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi, who on Monday released preliminary national and provincial statistics for the period 1 December to 15 January.

The province contributed to the overall improved national statistics, which recorded a decline of 6% in road accidents and 11% in road fatalities.

KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, attributed the decline to intensive multidisciplinary roadblocks the province conducted throughout the festive season and strong collaboration between government, civil society, business and the media in reinforcing road safety messages.

He praised the law enforcement agencies for ‘closing ranks’ in all hazardous areas in the province to ensure the reduction of accidents.

‘We are pleased that there was a significant decline of nine percent in the number of road accidents involving public transport modes, which include buses and minibus taxis,’ Kaunda said.

Overall KZN recorded 279 accidents this year compared to 311 over the 2016/17 festive period, with 324 road fatalities listed this year compared to 361 the previous year.