RTMC Intensifies Efforts To Reduce Road Crashes, Fatalities In Eastern Cape

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) announced on Thursday plans to help reduce road crashes and fatalities in the Eastern Cape as holidaymakers prepare to return to cities and workplaces.

The RTMC said their efforts will include working with traditional leaders, engaging public transport operators, and focusing on areas with high crash rates to reduce accidents and fatalities in the province.

Analysis of fatal crash statistics since the beginning of the festive season shows that the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape is among the top ten areas in the country with high numbers of crashes and fatalities, the RTMC said, SA News reported.

The district, which includes towns like Idutywa, Fort Beaufort, Butterworth, and Stutterheim, is one of the seven districts in the province. Stats also show that fatal crashes in this area involved public transport vehicles that had traveled long distances from the Western Cape or Gauteng without enough rest.

Law enforcement and the South African Taxi Council have noticed that some drivers did not start their journeys from designated areas during peak periods, instead traveling inter-provincially to pick up passengers while fatigued, leading to crashes.

Other districts that will receive attention due to high fatal crash numbers include eThekwini, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, Capricorn, Ekurhuleni, Cape Winelands, Vhembe and Fezile Dabi.

Traffic is expected to peak again from January 1 to 6, and law enforcement will focus more on public transport and increasing visibility. A dedicated team has been set up to monitor the implementation and progress of road safety measures.

Motorists are urged to plan their routes carefully and avoid traveling at night. Statistics show that 37.6% of fatal crashes happen between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM and often involve pedestrians.

Earlier this week, police in the Northern Cape arrested 429 suspects as part of their weekly Safer Festive Season operations, which continue under Operation Shanela.

During the operations, police seized firearms, cellphones, dangerous weapons, large amounts of alcohol, mandrax, tik, dagga, and money believed to be from criminal activities. Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be enforced this New Year's Eve.

Ahead of the New Year, Deputy Minister for Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa welcomed the 123 newly graduated traffic officers and 56 road safety officers, highlighting that they are key to ensuring safety on the roads.