Cape Town - Road injuries and deaths cost the Western Cape economy more than the province's health or education budget - about R21 billion annually - says Transport and Public Works MEC Donald Grant.
“The national Department of Transport estimates road trauma costs the South African economy R306 billion annually, which is eight percent of the country's Gross Domest Product,” said Grant.
This on Monday as national transport minister Dipuo Peters pleaded with motorists to use roads responsibly. The national department said drivers who were fatigued or under the influence of alcohol and drugs, undocumented drivers as well as unroadworthy vehicles were a serious concern.
But since the beginning of the festive season, there had been an overall decrease in the number of fatal crashes compared to previous years.
“In the period 1 December 2014 to 30 December 2014, we registered 924 fatal crashes with 1143 fatalities, while last year during the same period we registered 974 fatal crashes with 1168 fatalities. This demonstrates a reduction of 50 fatal crashes and 25 fatalities,” the department said.
Grant said this festive season there had been a six percent decrease in road deaths in the Western Cape compared to the same period in 2013.
ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
“Various factors play a part in road deaths in the province. Our enforcement efforts continue to be targeted at the main killers on our roads - speeding, alcohol and road use, distracted driving and fatigue management,” he said.
The province's most serious accident took place on 21 December on the N1 outside Beaufort West, where 10 people were killed. Grant said initial indications pointed to fatigue being part of the cause of this horrific crash.
Luthando Ngilana, spokesman for the Road and Traffic Management Corporation, said reckless overtaking on long distance roads was also one of the leading causes of accidents.
“The Western Cape has a high volume of traffic during the festive season, like most regions situated along the coast. In the past there were high incidents of accidents related to taxis and buses in the Western Cape. This has changed since the province built rest stops for taxis and buses,” he said.
Ngilana said the national traffic police, deployed at shebeens and beaches during the festive season, also contributed to the decrease in road deaths.
But Grant warned drivers to be cautious on the road as the festive season was not over.
“We will continue with our ongoing enforcement efforts to make our roads safer. January will see many holidaymakers making their way back home and making our roads busier,” Grant said.
“Road users must be vigilant and not drink and drive. Pedestrians must be visible and not hazardous to motorists, and vehicle occupants (especially children) should always buckle up.”\
Cape Times