More than 13 000 people die every year on South African roads, costing the economy R43-billion, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe said on Sunday.
He said economic growth contributes to the increase of accidents as the number of vehicles on the road is increasing.
”More South Africans are able to buy vehicles. Just last year alone, more than 600 000 vehicles were bought, which translated to a drastic increase in our vehicle population and more drivers on our roads,” said Radebe.
”These factors mean that a great number of drivers are entering our roads on a daily basis, leading to a steady increase in road accidents.”
Three people were killed in separate accidents in the Butterworth area on Sunday, Eastern Cape police said, and in Alberton, Gauteng, a man died and a woman was seriously injured in a collision involving two vehicles, according to Ekurhuleni metro police.
Also, three people were killed when a truck overturned at the Maseru Bridge port of entry on Sunday night, Free State police said on Monday, and three more people were killed and three injured in separate accidents in Bloemfontein over the weekend.
He said his department has intensified its Arrive Alive campaign with the deployment of 8 000 traffic officials and 193 patrol vehicles on hazardous routes countrywide.
Radebe was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Child Abuse campaign held at Upington’s Danie Kuis Stadium.
He received a Torch of Peace from Northern Cape Premier Dipuo Peters.
Peters said the 16 Days of Activism campaign must be used as an organising strategy to eliminate all forms of violence and abuse against women by raising awareness about gender-based violence. — Sapa