Western Cape records 15% decrease in road deaths over festive period

by womenonwheels

January 29, 2021

western cape records 15-percent

There has been a notable drop in the number of road deaths recorded over the past festive season, as compared to previous years. During a media briefing on Thursday, January 28 Provincial Minister of Transport Bonginkosi Madikizela announced a 15% decline in road fatalities between 1 December 2020 – 11 January 2021.

When compared to the same period the previous year, accidents decreased from 157 to 132. This is the largest decrease in South Africa in recent years.

Fatalities include drivers, cyclists, as well as pedestrians. The number of people arrested for drunk driving on the provinces’ roads over the festive season also decreased by 80%, compared to the same period the previous year.

“A decrease of fatalities was recorded on overall provincial roads, with 51 fatalities in 2019/20 to 44 fatalities in 2020/21. A notable decrease in fatalities recorded on municipal roads is commendable, with 88 fatalities recorded in 2020/21 compared to 106 fatalities in 2019/20,” he said.
Social media users questioned the decline in deaths saying lockdown and a poorer economy were contributing factors too.

Picture: Twitter/SABC news Western Cape