Road users are being urged to practice increased safety on Western Cape roads, as holidaymakers return home and some return to work. This is after 122 fatalities were recorded on provincial roads between 1 December 2024 and 3 January 2025.
The Province’s Mobility Department says of 106 crashes recorded, 51 involved pedestrians, while 21 were hit-and-run incidents.
Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku described the statistics as a stark reminder of the dangers on the province’s roads, particularly during peak travel periods.
“No family should have to face the pain of losing a loved one due to a preventable road crash. This festive season, we have intensified traffic visibility and enforcement measures to safeguard all road users. However, personal responsibility remains the cornerstone of road safety. Each of us must play our part by following traffic rules and exercising caution and courtesy.”
Most of the crashes occurred on the N1 and in the Western Cape Metro, with a high number of incidents happening between 22:00 and 13:00.
Sileku despite efforts such as fatigue management interventions and increased traffic visibility, reckless driving, speeding, and negligence remain leading causes of crashes.
He recounts his firsthand experience of reckless driving, while travelling on the N1 on 3 January. Sileku says he narrowly escaped a collision with a motorist travelling at 182km/h. That motorist was later arrested a nearby fuel filling station.
“[This] incident is a stern reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible behaviour on our roads. Reckless and negligent driving will not be tolerated in the Western Cape, particularly at a time when so many are travelling back home during the holiday season.”
Further to this, the Western Cape Government urged road users to plan trips, take regular breaks, and adhere to speed limits, as authorities endeavour to continue strict law enforcement measures.
“Behind the wheel, we hold not only our own lives but those of others in our hands. Let’s prioritise safety to prevent unnecessary tragedies.”
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