Road death toll down

2009-01-03 14:05

Johannesburg - Eight hundred and eighty five people have been killed in road accidents since the beginning of the holiday season, the Transport Department said on Saturday.

This was 650 fewer deaths compared to the 1 535 deaths reported in 2007, spokesperson Collen Msibi said.

The highest number of fatalities were reported in KwaZulu-Natal with 166 deaths, followed by Limpopo at 153 deaths.

"Two hundred and fifty six drivers, 348 passengers, and 281 pedestrians have died from the 688 reported crashes nationally," Msibi said.

Although the 2008 road deaths have dropped compared to the preceding year, Msibi said they will tighten their traffic campaigns to target motorists returning home from their holidays.

Intensified enforcement

"Motorists should expect intensified enforcement as they return home.

A major offensive will be waged against excessive speed, unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded taxis and buses, alcohol and fatigue," he said.

Particular attention will be paid to the N3 highway from Durban to Johannesburg, the N1 at Beit Bridge and between Polokwane and Pretoria, N1 from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg, N4 between Nelspruit, Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the N12 from the North West to Gauteng.

Vigilant traffic officers will also be monitoring the N2 along the coast linking the Eastern and Western Cape provinces, Msibi said.

Roadblocks

Meanwhile, motorists returning to Johannesburg from their holidays have been warned to obey traffic rules.

"Johannesburg metro police will be on full duty on the weekend," said Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

He warned that police would be setting up road blocks on major roads and freeways into the city.

Motorists were advised to obey speed limits, fasten seatbelts, not to overload their vehicles, watch out for pedestrians and to "share the road".

- SAPA