Almost 700 people lost their lives on the roads since the beginning of the festive season

Estimated reading time: 6 minute(s)

Photo: twitter\MbalulaFikile

Although 2020 might have been a different year from the years, some things never change as bodies continue to pile up where people lose their lives on the roads mostly because of reckless driving and being irresponsible.

The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, said earlier today that 690 people lost their lives on South African roads from 1 December to 20 December 2020, compared to 732 people who passed away over the same period last year.

This translates to a 5.7% decline year-on-year, but something the said should not be celebrated.

“The total number of crashes has declined by 8% compared to the same period last year,” said Minister Mbalula.

He added that of these presented stats, six provinces have recorded a decline in fatalities while three recorded an increase.

“We are encouraged that these reductions make a positive contribution towards the realisation of our 20% target of reducing fatalities on our roads in 2020,” he said.

The festive season fatalities statistics for provinces that recorded a decline are as follows:

• Northern Cape recorded a decline of 23.5%, with 13 fatalities compared to 17 in 2019.
• Western Cape recorded a decline of 26.6%, with 69 fatalities compared to 94 in 2019.
• Free State recorded a decline of 28.8%, with 47 fatalities compared to 66 in 2019.
• Gauteng recorded an 18.7% decline, with 122 fatalities compared to 150 in 2019.
• North West recorded a 5.8% decline, with 49 fatalities compared to 52 in 2019.
• KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 3% decline, with 131 fatalities compared to 135 in 2019.

Three provinces recorded an increase in the number of fatalities compared to the same period last year. The statistics are as follows:

• Eastern Cape recorded a 21.5% increase, with 96 fatalities compared to 79 in 2019.
• Limpopo recorded an 18.4% increase, with 90 fatalities compared to 76 in 2019.
• Mpumalanga recorded a 15.9% increase, with 73 fatalities compared to 63 in 2019

While it is encouraging to see a decline in fatalities to date, we are still a long way from achieving the 20% target we have set for ourselves this year. I urge all road users to exercise extreme caution as we enter the second phase of our peak travel period. pic.twitter.com/uJn8mQeeGF

— FIKILE MBALULA | MR FIX (@MbalulaFikile) December 22, 2020