NEW Transport Minister Dullah Omar said that deaths on South Africa’s roads went down by 623 in 1998, saving the country about R475,3 million. Releasing the findings of Statistics SA’s audited report for his department, he said road deaths decreased from 9691 in 1997 to 9068 in 1998 — a reduction of 6,43%. Serious injuries went down by 7,78% and slight injuries were reduced by 8,07% for the same period. Of the 9068 deaths in 1998, 2741 were drivers, 2875 passengers and 3452 pedestrians.