Driver incompetence the cause of crashes: minister
Transport Ministers Dipuo Peters has made an umpteenth plea to motorists to adhere to the rules of the road.
A total of 1714 road fatalities were recorded during the festive period - an increase of 5 percent compared to the previous year.
Peters says an overwhelming majority of fatal crashes were caused by driver incompetence.
"Driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to wear seatbelts, using cell phones while driving, excessive speeding, and disregarding road conditions and signs reflect the negative attitude that many motorists have towards the rules of the road," says Peters.
Limpopo recorded the highest increase in fatalities - with a staggering 31 percent increase in deaths.
This year also saw a higher number of passengers dying on the roads, in comparison to the previous festive season.
"Passengers constituted 40 percent of fatalities, a clear sign that our passengers are not using seatbelts. Pedestrians constituted 34 percent, drivers 24 percent and cyclist 2 percent of deaths. Children aged 0-4 years contributed 6 percent to pedestrian deaths," says Peters.