Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi has reported a decline of 11% in road deaths, from 1714  in  2016/2017 to 1527 2017/2018, from December 1 to January 9.

“A significant decline was noted among youthful pedestrians but there was a disturbing increase among those aged 35 to 44. All the efforts that we put into promoting safe road usage have given us an improved picture during the recent festive season holiday period.”

“Seven provinces experienced a decline, with exception of Western-Cape (7% increase) and North-West (11% increase).” Maswanganyi said the highest number of fatalities were among  pedestrians with an increase from 34% to 37%, while driver fatalities also went up from 23% to 27%. “There has however been a decline in passenger fatalities from 41% to 35%.”