19 January 2007
Mafikeng: Road deaths over the festive season in the North West decreased,
according to a report released by the provincial Department of Transport and
Roads on Wednesday. The report reflected 109 deaths in 93 road accidents
throughout the province in the year-end holiday period last year, compared to
114 deaths in the same period in 2005.
MEC for Transport and Roads, Jerry Thibedi, attributed the decrease in part,
to an awareness raising campaign the department conducted during the festive
season. "I am happy that the campaign has contributed to the increase of
awareness and adherence to the traffic road rules and regulations. We intend to
put up the advertising trailers again in the next festive season," he said.
The department had deployed 16 trailers across the province emblazoned with
messages appealing to the public to adhere to traffic laws. This campaign was
run concurrently with the national Arrive Alive campaign.
The report showed a remarkable reduction in the number of pedestrians killed
on the roads, as the figure dropped from 60 deaths in 2005 to 38 during last
year's festive season. Of the total road deaths reported, 34 were drivers and
37 were passengers.
The MEC said another factor which contributed to road safety was improved
road infrastructure, as the department had undertaken maintenance projects
ahead of the festive season. This included repairing road surfaces by patching
up potholes.
Mr Thibedi also commended motorists for their contribution to the reduction
of the death toll. He extended condolences to the families of those who had
lost their lives in the accidents.
The figures released today include nine victims who died in two separate
head-on collisions on the Rustenburg-Thabazimbi road near Northam at the
weekend and five others who died on the Mogwase-Sun City road this week.
Issued by: Department of Roads and Transport, North West Provincial
Government
19 January 2007
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za/)
