A total of 139 people were killed on South African roads during the Easter weekend, the Department of Transport said on Monday.
Although that is fewer than the 232 killed in 2006, departmental spokesperson Ntau Letebele said it was too early to speculate, as many people were still on the roads.
Of the 139 people who lost their lives in more than 70 accidents, 31 were behind the wheel, 54 were passengers and 42 pedestrians, he said. Alcohol and fatigue were to blame for most of the accidents.
”Our statistics attest to drunk drivers forgetting to dim their headlights for oncoming traffic, changing speed or lanes frequently without reason, ignoring stop signs and driving on the shoulder lane or towards the centre lane,” Letebele said.
He advised motorists to make regular stops and wear their safety belts.
More traffic officials have been dispatched to different routes across the country to deal with the heavy traffic flow expected throughout Monday night and Tuesday.
”Motorists should expect delays in the vicinity of tollgates and multidisciplinary roadblocks … the net on lawlessness has been tightened.”
Letebele said the focus of the ”intensified traffic operations” will be on unroadworthy vehicles, ”especially taxis and buses”.
”If they are found to be seriously defective, they will be impounded on the spot.”
He advised motorists to make sure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on a trip.
”Arrive Alive urges them to pay particular attention to brakes, tyres, windscreen wipers, steering mechanism and lights. They should also include sufficient stops to avoid fatigue, and wear their safety belts.”
Further statistics are expected to be released on Tuesday. — Sapa