There has been an increase in the number of deaths on the road, to about 11,418 recorded, exceeding last year’s 9,674 crashes.
This emerged at a media briefing by Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport and Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Deputy Minister.
This is despite completed 2547 physical education and awareness programmes by the Department.
The highest speedster during the festive season, was arrested in the Northern Cape, where he clocked about 222 kilometres an hour, in a 120-kilometre per hour zone.
Creecy thanked over 1 632 officers deployed during the festive season.
About 1.8 million vehicles were stopped and checked at roadblocks, while over 450 000 traffic fines were issued and 525 drivers were arrested for excessive speeding.
A total of 173 695 drivers were tested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 8 561 of these, tested positive.
The highest alcohol reading was recorded in KwaZulu Natal where one motorist recorded breath alcohol content fourteen times above the legal alcohol limit.
“I also want to thank provincial MECs, MMCs of Transport in Municipalities as well as traditional authorities, the organised bus, taxi and trucking sectors as well as a large number of civil society organisations for your hard work and dedication which has in large measure contributed to this reduction and for the first time in many years set us on the way to achieving a 50 percent reduction in accidents and fatalities by 2030” said Creecy.
Picture: Supplied