admin Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has issued a stern warning to drunk drivers, emphasizing that South Africans are not “crash test dummies.” This statement comes amid alarming statistics indicating that over 10,000 people have lost their lives on South African roads in 2024 alone.
At the launch of the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, themed “Every Day Without a Road Death – South Africa 2024,” Minister Creecy highlighted the human and economic toll of road accidents. She noted that road crashes cost the South African economy R205 billion in 2023, equivalent to 2.74% of the country’s GDP .
The campaign focuses on four key pillars: Responsible Driving, Pedestrian Safety, Enforcement and Education, and Collaboration. Law enforcement will intensify operations on 20 high-risk routes identified through accident data, including the N2 highway near Pongola and the R61 in Mzamba, Eastern Cape .
Minister Creecy emphasized that enforcement alone is insufficient; changing driver and pedestrian behavior is crucial. She urged all road users to take personal responsibility, adhere to speed limits, avoid driving under the influence, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy. Pedestrians were advised to use designated crossings, wear bright clothing at night, and avoid walking on roads while intoxicated .
The minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to reducing road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030, aligning with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety .
