More than 147 people have died on South Africa’s roads since the start of the Easter weekend, the department of transport said today. Since April 9, 136 crashes have resulted in the deaths of 147 road users. Fatalities included 39 drivers, 60 passengers and 48 pedestrians.

Traffic authorities have intensified law enforcement actions on unroadworthy vehicles, overloaded public passenger transport. Speed timing operations are planned on all major routes. Taxi and bus drivers are reminded that their maximum and legal speed limit is 100km/h. Roadblocks will concentrate on overloading, vehicle roadworthiness, driving licences, vehicle registrations and licences, the department said.

More than 100 motorists were arrested for various offences in Johannesburg over the Easter weekend, Johannesburg metro police said on Monday. Of the 115 people arrested, 41 were caught for drunk driving, 43 for speeding, and 31 for reckless and negligent driving.

In the Free State a fatal accident occurred at a T-junction on the R702 when a 22-seater mini-bus taxi and nine-seater taxi collided at 11pm on Sunday. It is alleged that the nine-seater taxi, which was travelling from the Eastern Cape, did not stop at the crossing.

Only daily effective traffic enforcement will remove the lawlessness on the roads of South Africa! If not – all our travellers will continue to take part in a lottery when they go on the roads!

Visit the Arrive Alive Road Safety website for more road safety advice.