North West Roads Witness 10% Reduction in Fatalities During Festive Period

In a significant development for road safety, the North West province has seen a commendable 10% reduction in fatalities on its roads during the festive period, with just below 70 lives lost by the 1st of January 2024. This positive trend marks a noteworthy improvement compared to the same period last year when 77 lives were lost.

Notably, major crashes, defined as accidents resulting in more than four fatalities, have been conspicuously absent so far this year. By New Year’s Day last year, there had been five such major crashes contributing to the toll.

The combined efforts on major routes, including N4, N12, N14, N18, and R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg, have contributed significantly to curbing fatalities, accounting for just below 30 of the total recorded deaths.

MEC Sello Lehari of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management continues to emphasize the importance of adherence to road regulations and urges patience among road users. With rains affecting various parts of the province, MEC Lehari advises motorists to adjust their driving to road conditions rather than simply adhering to speed limits.

A noteworthy statistic reveals that approximately 63% of all fatalities occurred between 18:00 and 00:00, prompting calls for heightened vigilance during these hours. MEC Lehari pleads with road users to cooperate with traffic officers and emphasizes the continued presence of law enforcement, including The Eagles Unit, throughout the festive season.

As the holiday season draws to a close, traffic is expected to peak later in the week as individuals return to their workplaces. Dr. Hans Kekana, the Head of the Department, has directed particular attention to roads connecting with other provinces, aiming to ensure a visible law enforcement presence during peak traffic hours.

The Eagles Unit, under the leadership of Chief Director for Transport Regulations, Mr. Molefi Morule, has intensified efforts on rural roads, particularly in Ngaka Modiri Molema, which has seen about 38% of all recorded accidents since the beginning of December 2023.

Expressing condolences to the affected families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, MEC Lehari underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain road safety. He extends New Year wishes and stresses that joint law enforcement operations will persist until the middle of January 2024, coinciding with the preparation for the new academic year. The message remains clear – “Strive to Arrive Alive.”