Authorities traumatised by road deaths
Gauteng traffic authorites say the increasing number of road deaths is unacceptable.
The continuing high rate at which road users are dying in Gauteng is unacceptable and law enforcement officers are getting “traumatised due to counting and picking up body bags on the roads and freeways”, the Gauteng traffic police and community safety department said on Sunday.
Most of the fatal crashes that occurred were due to the “human factor” and could have been avoided, they said in a joint statement.
Contributory factors included driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding on wet and slippery roads, and unsafe overtaking.
Over Valentine’s weekend, 19 fatalities were recorded, and over the past 72 hours 11 fatal crashes were recorded across the province with 13 road users killed. Six drivers, three pedestrians, two bikers, and two passengers died.
Road users were advised to comply and to adhere to the rules of the road.
“We appeal to drivers to look out for pedestrians and to slow down near crèches, schools, shopping malls, taxi and bus stops, and pedestrian crossings.
“Pedestrian safety is our huge challenge and we call upon pedestrians to refrain from the bad practice of crossing or walking along freeways, as that is illegal, dangerous, and fatal,” the statement said.