The N1 has not recorded a single fatal crash.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says road deaths and accidents are on the decline as motorists return home after the Easter long weekend.
Creecy, accompanied by her deputy Mkhuleko Hlengwa, held a media briefing along the N1 in Limpopo on Monday to provide an update on road safety operations conducted during the Easter period.
Creery reveals zero fatal crashes on N1 during Easter weekend
The minister said during the press conference that although traffic volumes peaked at 2 047 vehicles per hour on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, the N1 has not recorded a single fatal crash despite being one of the busiest routes in the country.
“This is a rare occurrence on this route, and it speaks of the effectiveness of our law enforcement and deployment plan in improving road safety outcomes,” Creecy said.
ALSO READ: Easter road safety: Over 600 drunk driving arrests as authorities clamp down across provinces
She also confirmed the arrest of a suspect in Mokopane, Polokwane, who allegedly attempted to bribe a National Traffic Police officer to avoid charges related to drunk driving.
The suspect is expected to appear in court next week.
Watch the briefing below:
Easter road statistics under review – Creecy
Creecy indicated that the complete Easter road statistics are not yet available as they are still undergoing quality assurance and verification.
“Early indications are that our road safety campaign is holding strong, and the public has responded positively to our messages.
“I don’t want to issue statistics at this stage. I would prefer to issue them once the Easter weekend is concluded because I don’t want to jinx the very good record that we have had so far.”
READ MORE: Easter weekend turns tragic as multiple accidents claim lives across SA roads
Preliminary data, however, shows a significant drop in both crashes and fatalities across all provinces – except Mpumalanga.
“As you know there was one very serious accident on Thursday evening and there have been other fatal accidents in that province.”
According to the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, 18 people lost their lives in multiple road crashes between 17 and 19 April.
In contrast, Limpopo has recorded the lowest number of crashes and fatalities so far.
Thousands of vehicles stopped and fined
Over the Easter weekend, 70 000 vehicles were stopped by law enforcement officers.
This resulted in 21 000 traffic fines and 512 arrests for various offences including drunk driving, excessive speeding, and operating without proper permits.
“We take those violations very, very seriously and there were other people where there were outstanding warrants of arrest that were also arrested,” Creecy said.
READ MORE: Guns, booze and border busts: Limpopo’s 4 600 Easter arrests
Six pedestrians were arrested for jaywalking.
The highest number of drunk drivers was recorded in the Eastern Cape, where an additional 111 motorists were arrested.
“Last weekend, I spoke about somebody we arrested in Port St. John’s who was nine times over the legal limit. I don’t know whether it’s a competition, but we’ve now arrested somebody who was 10 times over the legal limit.”
Total fines, arrests
Since 20 March, authorities have stopped over 782 000 vehicles and issued 116 000 traffic fines.
More than 3 500 drivers were arrested for a range of offences, while 89 pedestrians have been arrested for walking on highways.
“We will not allow people to walk on highways. It endangers their own lives and of course when you are driving at high speed if you collide with a pedestrian it’s going to endanger the lives of everybody in that vehicle.”
Additionally, 2 200 unroadworthy vehicles were taken off the roads, and 2 500 more were impounded for violating the National Land Transport Act.
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Furthermore, Creecy urged motorists and pedestrians to remain cautious.
“Today is a big day on our roads. I want to call on everyone who is behind a wheel, everyone who is a pedestrian, everyone who is a passenger in a vehicle.
“Put your seat belts on. Reduce speed. Drive defensively. Be aware of other drivers around you on the roads. Take extra care so that if they make a mistake, you will prevent an accident from happening,” she said.
The minister also appealed to parents and guardians to prioritise the safety of children on the roads.
“We want to reduce the number of children that are injured in road traffic accidents,” Creecy added.
