Transport Minister Dipuo Peters has revealed current death toll statistics for the period 1-28 December 2014 at a media briefing in Durban.

During the above mentioned period, a total of 924 fatal crashes were reported across South Africa with 1 143 fatalities. During the same period in 2013, 974 fatal crashes with 1 168 fatalities were recorded, which represents a reduction of 50 fatal crashes and 25 fatalities.

A total of 31% of the fatal crashes occurred between 22h00 and 06h00 in the morning with 80% of these crashes occurring in residential or built up areas.

A total of 904 drinking and driving arrests have been made during the period and a total of 99 060 summonses issued for exceeding the speed limit.

Provincial Death Toll Statistics

Traffic volumes are to increase during the week as holiday goers return home and motorists are encouraged to drive responsibly during this period to help reduce the increasing death toll. Motorists are urged to:

– Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy

– Obey the speed limit

– Take regular breaks

– Don’t Drink and Drive

– Don’t Drink and Walk

– Only cross a road when it’s safe to do so

– Avoid Distracted Driving

If you have had too much too drink and need a lift home, be sure to make use of Designated Driver Services in South Africa.