Pretoria: Law enforcement authorities are set to implement 24/7 road safety operations on 20 identified high-risk routes across the country during the festive season. The initiative aims to ensure road safety and legal compliance, addressing the critical periods when most accidents occur-weekends, late nights, and early mornings.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy announced the measures on Sunday during the launch of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Pretoria. She emphasized the heightened focus on high-risk zones, with law enforcement officers tasked with monitoring speed limits, inspecting vehicles, and apprehending drunk drivers. The campaign will also target border posts experiencing increased traffic during the festive period.
Minister Creecy highlighted the collaboration among the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), municipal, and provincial transport departments to maximize law enforcement efforts. With an anticipated rise in traff
ic volumes due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, she urged all road users to prioritize safety, as the human and economic costs of road crashes remain substantial.
Last year, road crashes inflicted a financial burden of R205 billion on the economy, representing 2.74% of the GDP. Despite a 4.4% decrease in road fatalities from 2022 to 2023, the Minister pointed out that 11,883 road deaths occurred last year, underscoring the need for behavioral change among road users.
The Minister reported that 10,154 individuals have already lost their lives on South Africa’s roads in 2024. She stressed the importance of responsible road use, urging travelers to ensure vehicle roadworthiness, carry necessary documentation, and adhere to pedestrian safety measures.
Fatigue, identified as a silent killer, was another topic of concern. Minister Creecy advised travelers to rest every two hours on long journeys, wear seatbelts, and refrain from overtaking on barrier lines. She also warned pedestrians against late-night
road crossings, particularly after consuming alcohol, and discouraged drinking and driving.
The Festive Season Road Safety Campaign is structured around four key pillars: responsible driving, pedestrian safety, enforcement and education, and partnerships and collaborations. The campaign includes radio and social media messaging and partnerships with civil society and the private sector to disseminate safety messages nationwide.
Minister Creecy concluded by noting the strategic implementation of targeted interventions, driven by data and resource limitations, to modify driver behavior and enhance enforcement during the festive season.