Nearly 700 killed on SA roads in April

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Pretoria - Almost 700 people died on South Africa's roads in April alone, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday.

This, according to the RTMC, was due to reckless behaviour and not obeying the rules of the road.

“Preliminary figures recorded by the RTMC indicate that a total of 699 people perished on the roads between March 30 and April 20 this year. There were 570 fatal crashes recorded during the same period,” RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said.

Most crashes were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, with 116 fatal crashes resulting in 148 fatalities.

Gauteng was second with 119 fatalities from 100 crashes. The Northern Cape recorded the lowest with 16 crashes, which resulted in 19 fatalities.

Meanwhile, the number of major crashes declined in March this year compared with the same period in the previous years.

Only eight major crashes (crashes resulting in five or more deaths in a single incident or crashes involving four or more vehicles in a single incident with a fatality) were recorded in March this year compared to 12 in 2012, nine in 2013 and nine last year.

The number of fatalities from these crashes has also dropped with 38 people killed this year compared with 62 in 2012, 72 in 2013 and 39 last year.

Half of all major crashes were reported in Limpopo and the Western Cape, according to RTMC.

The majority of these crashed involved head on collisions and instances where a single vehicle overturned. 

Human error was the main contributing factor in major crashes with the driver driving in the wrong lane in most cases. Tyre bust and the wheel coming off a vehicle, causing the driver to lose control, were the other factors.

RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi has urged motorist to avoid speeding and driving under the influence of intoxicating substances. Tighter law enforcement will be implemented to bring reckless drivers to book.

Msibi also urged motorist to ensure that their vehicles are fit and roadworthy before travelling, irrespective of the distance of the journey. - SAnews.gov.za