By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said they have experienced a 10% reduction of road fatalities across the province. Lehari said just below 70 lives have been lost on the North West roads by 1 January 2024.

He further said this is all road fatalities recorded on the provincial roads, since the beginning of festive season. Lehari added that, culminatively, the N4, N12, N14, N18 and R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg have recorded just below 30 of all the fatalities by New Year’s Day.

“No major crash, meaning an accident with more than four fatalities has been recorded as yet for this period. By New Year’s Day last year, 77 lives had been lost with just below 30 of them resulting from five major crashes.

“About 63% of all the fatalities had been recorded between 6pm and 00:00. So, we still pleading with all road users to respect all regulations and to be patient on the roads,” he said.

Lehari said with rains in many parts of the province, patience becomes essential. He said the pleas with motorists to drive to the conditions of the road, rather than speed limit.

“We can do more and must ensure people comply, if they are unable to do so on their own. We are requesting corporation of everyone on the road. The Eagles as other provincial traffic officers, have not taken their holidays.

“This is to ensure that, they are present on the roads. Kindly work with them to reduce crashes. Traffic is expected to peak from later this week as many will be travelling back to their respective work places,” said Lehari.

The Head of the Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana has directed that the Eagles Unit in particular, pay attention on all roads that are connecting with other provinces.

“Statistics indicate heighten traffic flow from 6pm in the evenings. So, we want our law enforcement presence to be felt at that time. For whatever reason, it appears people prefer to travel at night.

“It could be that they believe traffic is low then. But clearly, it peaks at that time and let’s focus on the problematic roads”, said Kekana.

Meanwhile, the Chief Director for Transport Regulations, Molefi Morule said he has been personally leading the operations. Module said he is concerned about the crashes in what is generally considered rural roads.

“The Ngaka Modiri Molema District is still high with about 38% of all recorded accidents, since the beginning of December 2023. We have begun to put more patrols on N18 road, especially in Taung, R49 between Mahikeng and Zeerust and on R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg.

“We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the departed and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. We also wish everyone a happy New Year and we must strive to arrive alive,” he said.

Module said the joint law enforcement operations will continue until the middle of January 2024 when learners will be preparing for new academic year.

taingdailynews@gmail.com