More traffic police deployed as holiday crash figure climbs

South Africa’s holiday season has begun under a dark cloud, with 37 people killed in 28 crashes in the Western Cape alone since the start of December.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane says alcohol abuse is fuelling the death toll, with many crashes involving drunk drivers, hit-and-run accidents and intoxicated pedestrians.

He says there's been a high number of pedestrians killed.

In response, the RTMC is deploying additional National Traffic Police to high-risk provinces.

"We will be deploying some of the National Traffic Police officers into the Western Cape to augment the traffic officers there, in particular to look into this issue of pedestrians. We will also be deploying in the Eastern Cape. I believe those traffic officers must have reached those provinces by now to assist in improving the capacity to deal with incidents of lawlessness, speeding, and drunk driving. Also, fatigue becomes a big issue this time of the year, so we will be looking into those issues."

Zwane warns that motorists attempting to avoid roadblocks by using back roads will also be targeted.

Road users are urged to plan ahead, rest regularly, and avoid alcohol entirely when driving, as traffic volumes intensify in the days ahead.

To listen to Simon Zwane in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk's Zain Johnson, click the audio below: