More than 120 lives claimed on WC roads

Road users are being urged to be extra cautious on Western Cape roads, as holidaymakers return home and some return to work.

COURTESY: Western Cape Mobility Department

This comes as the Western Cape Government expressed its concern over the 106 fatal crashes and 122 fatalities recorded in the province during the festive period from 1 December 2024 to 3 January 2025.

‘’While these figures represent an improvement compared to the same period last year, they underline the critical need for heightened road safety efforts,’’ said Isaac Sileku, Western Cape mobility MEC.

The majority of the fatalities were passengers, pedestrians, and drivers, in that order. According to figures from the department, 51 of the incidents involved pedestrians, and 21 were identified as hit-and-run cases. The Western Cape Metro and the N1 route accounted for the highest number of incidents, with most occurring between the hours of 22h00 and 13h00.

Sileku emphasised the devastating impact of irresponsible behavior on the roads.

“No family should have to face the pain of losing a loved one due to a preventable road crash. This festive season, we have intensified traffic visibility and enforcement measures to safeguard all road users.

‘’However, personal responsibility remains the cornerstone of road safety. Each of us must play our part by following traffic rules and exercising caution and courtesy,’’ he added,

Sileku says reckless driving, speeding, and negligence during this peak travel time continues to endanger lives.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi