The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed concern over the high number of heavy motor vehicle accidents recorded since the start of December 2025.
“From 1 December 2025, the province has recorded 43 incidents involving heavy motor vehicles on Western Cape roads. These include breakdowns, collisions, and overturned vehicles. This trend is worrying, especially ahead of the expected high traffic volumes as residents and visitors travel in and out of the province for the holidays,” the department said in a statement on Friday.
The department said that heavy motor vehicle incidents not only pose a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians, but also cause major traffic delays and disrupt economic activity. Clearing these scenes can take between two to six hours, or longer, depending on the nature of the incident.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every overturned truck is a preventable tragedy that endangers lives and hampers mobility. We urge the freight industry to take immediate action to improve safety standards and protect all road users,” said Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku.
The department said it values the critical role that the freight industry plays in keeping the economy moving and urged operators and drivers to partner with it in prioritising safety during this peak travel period.
Freight operators and drivers are encouraged to take the necessary precautions by:
• Ensuring vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy.
• Adhering to speed limits and load regulations.
• Managing driver fatigue through adequate rest periods.
• Avoiding reckless overtaking.
• Complying with all road rules and instructions from traffic authorities.
It added that Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement will be on duty 24/7 across all key routes this weekend to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
With high traffic volumes expected this weekend, motorists and pedestrians are also urged to take extra care.
Motorists:
• Check your vehicle before travelling, tyres, lights, indicators, brakes, and fluid levels.
• Obey all road signs, rules, and instructions from traffic officers.
• Expect congestion in certain areas and plan extra time for your trip.
• Be patient and courteous; avoid speeding and reckless overtaking.
• Take regular rest breaks on long journeys.
• Make mindful decisions; your safety and the safety of others depends on you.
• Remember: arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Pedestrians:
• Cross only at designated places and make sure you are visible, especially at night.
• Do not walk on highways or along poorly lit roads and avoid roadways if intoxicated.
• Avoid distractions such as cellphones or headphones when walking near traffic.
-SAnews.gov.za
