Question NW3517 to the Minister of Transport
05 December 2018 - NW3517
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Transport
With reference to the reply to question 625 on 29 March 2017, what (a) was the total number of accidents that occurred on the N1 between Bela-Bela and Polokwane (i) in the 2017-18 financial year and (ii) since 1 April 2018, (b) is the total number of persons who were killed in each case, (c) were the causes of each fatal accident and (d) actions did his department take to ensure that (i) road users abide by all road rules and (ii) number of fatal accidents is drastically reduced?
Reply:
a) Total number of accidents that occurred on the N1 between Bela-Bela and Polokwane
(i) As from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 there were = 102 Fatal crashes
(ii) Since 1 April 2018 there were = 69 Fatal crashes
b) The total number of persons who were killed in each case
(i) As from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 there were = 178 Fatalities
(ii) Since 1 April 2018 = 134 Fatalities
c) Causes of fatal crashes
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Most of the fatal crashes occurred due to the following crash types: |
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i. Single vehicles overturned |
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ii. Head-on |
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iii. Accident with pedestrian |
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iv. Head-rear |
d) Actions taken by the department
(i) road users abide by all road rules - The Department through the RTMC has deployed traffic officers on the route in support of efforts that have been put in place by the Limpopo Province. This is to ensure visibility as deterrent but also to enforce traffic laws and regulations. The focus is on the following offences: speed, seat belt, overload, cell phones and reckless and negligent driving amongst others.
In addition to this, the RTMC has also intensified its road safety education and awareness programmes on the said route. These includes, amongst others, having activations at the taxi ranks targeting drivers and passengers before they embark on their journey, educational road blocks, handing out information pamphlets at the tollgates, and information exhibitions that encourage road user behaviour change.
(ii) Reduce number of fatal accidents -Based on the absolute figures, there is a slight reduction in the number of fatal crashes and fatalities when comparing the two (2) financial years (2016/17 and 2017/18).