By Thapelo Molefe
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced on Monday that 1,502 people lost their lives in 1,234 fatal crashes on South Africa’s roads during the 2024/25 festive season, marking a 5.3% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, Creecy described the statistics as “deeply disturbing” and called for urgent measures to address the root causes of these tragedies.
“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent shattered families and devastating human stories,” Creecy said.
She revealed that 87% of crashes were attributed to human error, with reckless driving, speeding, jaywalking, and drunk driving identified as the leading contributors.
Creecy said there was a desperate need for stricter law enforcement and public education campaigns to change behaviors and reduce preventable deaths on the roads.
“I want to say this very clearly: We, South Africans, must change our behavior on the roads,” she told reporters.
“The number of people who died on our roads this festive season has increased because people continued to behave badly.”
During the festive season, 997 roadblocks were conducted nationwide to address speeding, drunk driving, and unroadworthy vehicles.
Authorities issued over 711,000 fines, including 23,607 for failing to wear seatbelts and 16,925 for cellphone use while driving. More than 3,800 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, and 414 motorists faced charges for excessive speeding.
Among the most alarming incidents was a motorist in Gauteng caught driving at 245 km/h on the N1 near Honeydew.
Creecy stressed the need for harsher penalties, stating, “There must be consequences for drivers who break the law with wanton disregard for the lives of other road users.”
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Donald Selamolela highlighted the committee’s commitment to legislative support, urging the Minister to bring proposals for stricter laws.
“Feel free to come to us with proposals. We are ready to pass those particular laws,” he said.
While Gauteng, Western Cape, and Mpumalanga achieved reductions in road fatalities, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State recorded alarming increases.
KwaZulu-Natal reported 304 fatalities, up by 54, while the Eastern Cape saw 231 fatalities, an increase of 70. The Free State recorded 106 fatalities, 21 more than the previous year.
Pedestrian fatalities also remained a significant concern, accounting for 41% of all road deaths.
Creecy has asked the provinces to conduct a detailed analysis of their respective statistics and come up with a clear plan for the way forward, by the end of January.
This will include a look at severe consequences for those who continue to show a disregard for road safety.
“We will continue to direct our efforts at changing the behaviour of road users, invest in designing and engineering safer roads, enforcing safe speeds in high congestion areas, and enhancing emergency response systems and access to quality trauma care, which is essential to saving lives,” she said.
“By reducing response times and improving the availability of critical care, we can increase survival rates and reduce the long-term impacts of road traffic injuries. This initiative will require collaboration with the Department of Health, and other industry role-players.”
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