June one of deadliest months on roads — Creecy

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says June is one of the most dangerous months on South African roads.

This is partly due to the fact that most provinces experience long periods of darkness during the winter months. 

Creecy spoke during a road safety awareness event in Potchefstroom ahead of the June 16 long weekend. 

“June has always been one of the unfortunate months, on average having a fatality rate of almost a thousand people,” she said. 

The minister said 231 people lost their lives during the same weekend in 2024.

“When in many provinces in our country by five o'clock, it is already starting to get dark, and it doesn't get light until half past six. That is significant because most accidents occur from the time of darkness until 10pm,” said Creecy. 

The minister added that the majority of those who lose their lives on roads during this period are under the age of 40.

She also reiterated that most accident fatalities involve pedestrians. 

Read more: Pedestrian fatalities remain huge concern - Creecy

“Eighty-eight per cent of accidents are caused by human error. Walking on a highway, crossing a highway, crossing the road when it is not your time in terms of traffic lights, drunk driving and speeding. These are the major causes of accidents.” 

Creccy warned that law enforcement operations will continue across the country to track speeding and reckless driving. 

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