Provincial Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, has called on motorists to be extra vigilant on roads when there are pedestrians, children and elderly people in the vicinity. They are reportedly the most vulnerable on our roads.

33 out of 60 fatalities over 3 weeks were pedestrians

He says he’s concerned that of the 60 road deaths reported over a recent 3-week-period, 33 fatalities were pedestrians. Sileku says factors like alcohol consumption, jaywalking and speeding contribute significantly to the high incidence of fatalities.

Heightened pedestrian safety awareness

The Department’s Muneera Allie has called for heightened pedestrian safety awareness. She says drivers should be vigilant and slow down in areas of high pedestrian activity, particularly around schools and shopping centres.

MORE ABOUT: Pedestrian Safety in South Africa – Arrive Alive

Upholding traffic regulations

Allie says almost 55% of the fatalities over the mentioned 3-week period involved pedestrians, with several more hospitalised. She says upholding traffic regulations, including speed limits, signals, and road signs, can enhance overall road safety. She says everyone has a role to play to achieve this.

Pedestrian safety

The MEC also says that speeding can have a significant impact on pedestrian safety. MEC Sileku says any speed above 30km/h increases the risk of a pedestrian sustaining serious or fatal injuries if hit by a vehicle.

READ MORE: Pedestrian deaths dominate festive road statistics

Safety tips for pedestrians (From the Department):

• Be visible – wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
• Use designated crossings – always cross at pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, or pedestrian bridges, where available.
• Stay alert – avoid distractions such as using your phone or wearing headphones while walking near traffic.
• Look both ways – always check for oncoming vehicles before stepping onto the road, even at marked crossings.
• Follow traffic signals – wait for the green pedestrian light before crossing and ensure vehicles have stopped.
• Walk facing traffic – if there is no pavement or dedicated pedestrian area, always walk facing oncoming traffic.

Safety tips for drivers (from the Department):

• Reduce speed in pedestrian areas – slow down in high-foot-traffic zones such as schools, residential areas, and at crossings.
• Be extra cautious at night – pedestrians can be harder to see in low-light conditions.
• Yield to pedestrians – Always stop for pedestrians at crossings and intersections.
• Avoid distractions – put away mobile devices and stay focused on the road.
• Check blind spots – be aware of pedestrians when making turns, reversing, or pulling out of driveways.
• Never overtake at pedestrian crossings – if another vehicle has stopped for a pedestrian, do not overtake; someone may be crossing.