Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called for a united effort from all road users, law enforcement and stakeholders to curb fatalities during the holiday season.
She officially launched the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign under the theme “Every day without a Road Death – South Africa 2024” yesterday.
“South Africa saw 11 883 people dying in 2023 because of crashes on our roads. This is not just a statistic, it represents lives lost, families grieving, and a nation struggling with the devastating consequences,” Creecy stated, citing data from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
She said road crashes are not only a human tragedy but also an economic burden, costing the nation R205 billion in 2023, equivalent to 2.74% of the GDP.
“These crashes are fuelled by human error, speeding, alcohol consumption, and unroadworthy vehicles,” Creecy said.
She highlighted that 21.3% of last year’s road deaths were hit-and-run incidents, with pedestrians making up 5 360 of the fatalities. The provinces with the highest pedestrian risks include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
The campaign focuses on four pillars: Responsible Driving, Pedestrian Safety, Enforcement and Education, and Collaboration.
Creecy noted that law enforcement will intensify operations on 20 high-risk routes identified through accident data. These include the N2 highway near Pongola and the N2 south near Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal, and the R61 in Mzamba, Eastern Cape.
“All traffic officers must enforce the law without fear or favour. Drunk driving, speeding and unroadworthy vehicles will not be tolerated.”
A 24/7 traffic policing plan will also address peak periods when most accidents occur, weekends and late-night hours, she said.
“We cannot afford to turn a blind eye when lives are at stake. If irresponsible behaviour persists, there will be consequences,” Creecy warned.
Beyond enforcement, she noted that the campaign prioritised awareness through partnerships with civil society, faith-based organizations, and the private sector. Radio and social media platforms will also amplify safety messages to reach diverse audiences.
“This is not just about government action; it’s about changing human behaviour. Everyone must act to ensure their own safety and that of others,” she said.
Creecy urged pedestrians to use marked crossings, wear bright clothing at night, and avoid walking on roads under the influence of alcohol. “Pedestrians must be vigilant. Most fatalities occur among people aged 18-59 years, our most productive population,” she added.
She reiterated the government's commitment to the National Road Safety Strategy, aligned with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, which aims to halve road traffic deaths by 2030.
“While road deaths decreased by 4.4% from 2022 to 2023, one death is still one too many,” she said.