The Western Cape Mobility Department has issued a dire warning following a dramatic surge in road fatalities this month.
Fifty-two people have lost their lives on the province’s roads in just the first 11 days of August.
This marks a nearly 86% increase from the 28 fatalities recorded over the same period in August 2024, prompting renewed urgency in calls for safer behaviour among all road users.
Urban Roads, Pedestrians Hit Hardest
Of the 52 deaths, 37 occurred on municipal roads, with the remaining 15 on provincial routes.
Pedestrians accounted for more than half of all fatalities, with 28 lives lost, highlighting a dangerous vulnerability that continues to plague urban and rural areas alike.
Motorcycle-related deaths also appeared for the first time this year on municipal roads, raising additional concern among traffic officials.
‘These Aren’t Numbers – They’re Lives’
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku responded to the tragedy with a passionate plea: “Fifty-two lives lost in 11 days – that’s fifty-two families shattered. These aren’t numbers; they’re our neighbours, friends, and loved ones.”
He urged all road users – drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike – to adopt safer behaviour.
“Slow down, stay sober, and make the choices that keep us all alive. Let’s make sure no more families have to get that devastating call.”
Key Risk Factors
Preliminary investigations have identified several leading causes of the fatalities, including:
- Unsafe speeding
- Alcohol consumption
- Inadequate pedestrian crossings
- Poor night-time visibility
Authorities also flagged reckless driving and cellphone use as contributing factors, alongside increasing instances of driving under the influence.
Enforcement Intensifies
In response to the alarming trend, Western Cape traffic officers have stepped up enforcement:
- 394 checkpoints and roadblocks conducted from 1 to 11 August
- Over 60 226 vehicles inspected, including 3 770 public transport vehicles
- 195 arrests for drunk driving, including one driver with a blood alcohol level six times the legal limit
- 15 824 traffic violations recorded, including for speeding, phone use, and not wearing seatbelts
- 341 vehicles taken off the road, with 46 impounded due to roadworthiness concerns
Call to Action: ‘This Must Stop’
With enforcement efforts now in full swing, the Mobility Department is calling on all residents of the Western Cape to reflect on their role in road safety.
“This must stop,” Sileku emphasised.
“We can’t keep losing lives to preventable mistakes.”
Safety Tips for All Road Users:
- Drivers: Obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence
- Pedestrians: Use designated crossings, wear visible clothing at night, and stay clear of freeways
- Public transport operators: Ensure vehicles are roadworthy and adhere strictly to traffic regulations
The department is also encouraging communities to report reckless driving and to support ongoing road safety awareness efforts.
Have you noticed more pedestrians risking their lives crossing roads of late?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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