As the holiday travel has winded down, and road user behaviour has changed, the Western Cape Mobility Department has noted a marked decrease in the number of road-related fatalities in the province. 

Between 5 and 11 January 2026, the department recorded a total of 11 fatal crashes resulting in 12 fatalities on Western Cape roads.  

“8 were pedestrians, 2 motorcyclists and 2 drivers, highlighting the continued vulnerability of those who are most exposed on our road network,” read the department’s statement.  

This is down from the 25 fatalities on provincial roads a week prior, between 29 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. 

Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, believes the latest figures point to a promising downward trend as a result of heightened law enforcement into the new year. The department links the decrease in fatalities to sustained enforcement, increased visibility of traffic officers and easing holiday traffic volumes. 

But Sileku noted that the loss of life on the province’s roads remains unacceptably high, despite the improvement. 

“The loss of 12 lives remains deeply tragic and unacceptable. Every fatality represents a family and a community left grieving, and this must continue to drive our collective commitment to road safety,” said Sileku.  

While Sileku welcomed the decrease, he urges road users and traffic officers not to become complacent. 

Road safety operations

Provincial Traffic Services carried out 240 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations between 5 and 11 January.  

The department noted that more than 51,000 vehicles were stopped and checked across the province, leading to over 15,000 fines being issued for offences linked to driver behaviour and vehicle fitness. 

“Alarmingly, 79 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by reckless and irresponsible driving,” the department’s statement read. 

The focus now shifts to scholar transport safety, and Chief Director of Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout said law enforcement would remain a priority as schools reopen.  

“Our officers will maintain a strong presence on key routes. We urge motorists to obey the rules of the road, remain patient, and be especially mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who account for a significant portion of fatalities,” she said.