Pretoria - Since the beginning of the festive season, from 1 - 14 December 2010, 170 people have died in 125 car crashes on South Africa's roads.
These are preliminary statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). Final figures will be released in February 2011.
Speed remains a major factor in most crashes, with alcohol fingered as a chief contributing factor in fatal crashes. The seatbelt wearing rate is also very low, with more drivers and passengers not buckling up, which has a huge effect on the number of passenger fatalities.
Most of the fatalities to date have been passengers, with 79 killed; 49 drivers and 42 pedestrians have died.
Last year, 1 582 road deaths were recorded at the end of the 2009/10 festive season.
The RTMC has urged drivers to take extra caution as the rainy season is in full swing.
Safer driving tips:
- Drive slower in wet conditions, with your head-lights on at all times, as visibility is poor
- Extend your following distance to give allowance for three or more vehicles in front your own car
When heading for your holiday, check these critical safety items:
- All lights, including indicators
- Seat belts
- Wipers
- Front and rear tyres
- Foot-brake front and rear
- Hand brake
- Steering mechanism (steering box & tie rod ends)
- Front and rear suspension
- Exhaust
- Wheel alignment
So far, under the National Rolling Enforcement Plan, three million vehicles have been stopped by traffic officers across the country since its launch in September. More cars will be stopped this festive season
