Here are the stats… don’t become one!

Limpopo – Nationally, the 2022/23 festive period saw a significant reduction in road fatalities which decreased from the previous period’s 1,685 to 1,451. However, this is still 1,451 too many! 

“Don’t drink and drive!” This is the message from Thabazimbi Local Municipality (TLM) acting director of community services David Moabelo, who is concerned with the many road accidents and needless loss of lives.  

In an interview with Platinum Bushvelder on Wednesday 18 January 2023, Moabelo said most of the accidents recorded in Thabazimbi and other areas in the Limpopo province during 2022 were a direct result of the failure of drivers to obey traffic regulations. 

“I urge the community to obey the rules, keep within the speed limit, and not overtake where you are not supposed to,” said Moabelo. “We want a zero-accidents figure, and we can’t do this without the assistance of the community. One death is one too many.” 

Limpopo Province recorded fewer road fatalities during the 2022/23 festive season when compared to the previous 2021/22 festive period. 

Announcing the preliminary statistics of the just-ended festive season, minister of transport Fikile Mbalula revealed the significant drop. The statistics, which gave an overview of the fatalities experienced in the country over the festive season, were released by the minister on Tuesday 17 January 2023. 

“Limpopo fatalities dropped from 226 to 179, resulting in a 20,8% reduction,” Mbalula said. While acknowledging the achievement, Mbalula pointed out that more still needed to be done to avoid the needless loss of lives.  

“We are gathered here today to recommit ourselves to our Arrive Alive campaign under the theme ‘it starts with you’. This is to emphasise that road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Mbalula said. 
He called upon all road users to be vigilant.

“Road users must change their behaviour and attitude, law enforcement must do their work without fear or favour, and authorities must create a conducive environment to improve safety on the roads. This must happen every day throughout the year.” 

Mbalula also urged scholar transport operators to adhere to traffic regulations. “The ‘silly season’ has ended. However, we still have our work cut out for us. Learners have gone back to school, so parents and scholar transporters are encouraged to be vigilant and cautious when transporting our children,” he added.  

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