By Ncaba Ntshakala
EmaSwati planning to visit South Africa this festive season are being urged to exercise caution as alarming road accident statistics emerge from the neighboring country.
EmaSwati and other vistors have been cautioned of South Africa’s deadly roads. The Republic of South Africa is a holiday destination for many emaSwati.
With the South African Department of Transport’s 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign now underway,
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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has highlighted the dangers posed by the country’s most hazardous roads, which will be under stringent monitoring during the holiday period.
According to Creecy, road crashes claimed 11,883 lives in South Africa last year, with 1,285 fatalities occurring during the festive season alone.
These figures underline the heightened risks associated with holiday travel, particularly on identified priority routes known for frequent accidents.
Some of the most dangerous roads include sections of the N1 in Limpopo, the N4 in Mpumalanga, the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, and the R21 in Gauteng.
These areas will see intensified traffic law enforcement and 24/7 monitoring to combat reckless driving, speeding, and other violations.
South African authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to reduce road carnage.
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Law enforcement has asserted that they will strictly address issues like vehicle roadworthiness and drunk driving, with offenders facing severe consequences, including imprisonment.
Additionally, pedestrians are a key focus, as they are often among the most vulnerable road users during the festive period.
EmaSwati traveling to South Africa are strongly advised to prioritize their safety and comply with road safety measures.
The South African authorities has advised that it is essential to plan journeys carefully, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and avoid traveling late at night or in the early hours of the morning, which are peak times for accidents.