As the Easter holiday approaches, the Western Cape is stepping up its efforts to ensure road safety amid growing concerns over the rising number of crashes and fatalities during this busy travel period.
The Western Cape Department of Mobility has introduced a series of road safety initiatives to protect motorists and pedestrians, especially after a significant increase in road deaths was recorded during Easter 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, fatal crashes in the province rose from 26 to 31, with the death toll climbing from 27 to 33. These alarming statistics mirror a national trend, where road fatalities surged by nearly 33%.
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Authorities attribute the majority of these incidents to poor driving habits, including reckless and negligent behavior, excessive speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To address these risks, high-priority routes such as the N1, N2, R27, R300, R60, and R62 have been identified for increased law enforcement visibility. The Department is working in partnership with local municipalities and the City of Cape Town to deploy patrols based on data-driven insights from previous incidents.
Vehicle registration has also grown in the province, with nearly 2.16 million vehicles registered by March 2024, a 1.86% increase from the previous year. The Western Cape now accounts for over 16% of South Africa’s total vehicle population.
Nationally, road fatalities during Easter rose from 252 in 2023 to 335 in 2024. KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng recorded the highest number of fatal crashes, contributing to over 40% of the total. Limpopo experienced the most drastic rise, with fatalities more than doubling, largely due to a single crash that claimed 35 lives.
The period between 6 PM and 8 PM was found to be the deadliest for road users, accounting for over a fifth of all fatal crashes. Most involved private vehicles and light delivery vehicles, with human error cited in over 94% of cases.
Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, emphasized the importance of personal responsibility on the roads, urging drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike to exercise caution. He called on communities to help combat drunk driving and reckless behavior to reduce the loss of life.
Meanwhile, construction on the N2 between George and Wilderness is ongoing, with one lane open in each direction. Officials have placed pointsmen and traffic safety officers at key intersections to manage flow and respond to emergencies. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, remain patient, and respect road regulations, especially in high-traffic areas and near construction zones.
Authorities stress that road safety is a shared duty. With cooperation and vigilance, they believe it’s possible to make the Easter travel period safer for everyone.