By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Motorists are cautioned of anticipated heavy traffic on all major routes in the country this weekend as the festive season holidays come to an end.
Estimates suggest that over 13 million registered vehicles hit the roads during this festive season leading to peak congestion, particularly in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, with millions using major routes such as the N3.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) says law enforcement officers will maintain high levels of visibility.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said, speeding, drunken driving and reckless conduct will not be tolerated.
Zwane has urged motorists to reduce speed when driving in rainy conditions, increase the following distance and leave a safe following distance.
Motorists should also check weather forecasts, avoid driving through storms, and refrain from crossing flooded bridges, said Zwane.
Zwane said, motorists are advised to avoid travelling at night, as evidence shows that most deadly crashes happen after sunset and in early hours of the morning.
Travel data analysed since the start of the festive season road safety campaign on December 1 shows that 21 percent of fatal crashes happen between 19H00 and 22H00 and six percent between midnight and 01H00.
“These are the times when most head-on collisions have taken place, claiming many lives,” he said.
According to preliminary reports, fatal crashes declined by 20.9% and fatalities by 20.8% during the period December 1 to 16, following intensified law enforcement, road safety education and public messaging.
While Gauteng managed to reduce crashes by 12%, it remains the highest contributor to the national death toll.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded 88 fatalities in 85 crashes.
The Eastern Cape reported 52 fatalities in 45 crashes, Mpumalanga 69 fatalities in 50 crashes, North West 34 deaths in 28 crashes, Limpopo 40 road deaths in 34 crashes and the Northern Cape 31 road deaths in 20 crashes.
The Free State was the best-performing province, recording a 67.2% decrease in fatalities.
The number of lives lost dropped from 638 to 505, meaning 113 lives were saved through law enforcement, awareness and education initiatives.