17 April 2006
Pretoria - As you return from your vacation, always remember that every trip
can be dangerous. The death toll on our roads stands at 100 from 64 crashes. Of
these fatalities 26 are pedestrians, 24 drivers and 50 passengers.
The breakdown of fatalities is as follows:
* Gauteng - 8
* KwaZulu-Natal - 9
* Western Cape - 5
* Eastern Cape - 18
* Mpumalanga - 20
* Free State - 6
* Limpopo - 13
* North West - 12
* Northern Cape - 9
We are still following up on 31 unreported cases. Last year over the five
days Easter period 241 people died.
The worst is not yet over, as thousands are still returning to work and
inland schools reopening.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution and to be careful throughout their
trips, advises the Department of Transport.
All major roads are extremely busy due to heavy traffic and delays are being
experienced, especially at tollgates. 'N1 from Polokwane to Gauteng , N2 along
the Coast from Eastern Cape to Cape Town, N3 from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng, N4
from Nelspruit to Gauteng.
Never ever try to recover lost time by speeding as traffic authorities are
on the look out for speedster and reckless drivers', warns the Department of
Transport's Arrive Alive Campaign.
The majority of these fatalities are attributed to vehicle overturning and
unsafe overtaking. This shows that fatigue and inconsiderate behaviour are
issues of concern. Therefore be aware that fatigue progressively impairs your
performance as a driver, which means errors, may appear more often in the form
of mistakes.
Mistakes such as misjudging breaking distance, skipping traffic lights,
attempting to overtake when there is insufficient time to complete the
manoeuvre usual happen.
Provide for regular resting points during your trip. We urge motorists avoid
fatigue and give themselves ample time to rest especially those who will
proceed to work tomorrow.
Media contacts:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Issued by: Department of Transport
17 April 2006
Source: SAPA
