Minister Carlisle Commends Department as Road Death Toll Continues to Decline

In 2009, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, committed to achieving a 50% reduction in provincial road traffic fatalities by 2014. Through positive action and the tireless efforts of the Safely Home team, as well as the involvement of members of the public, there has been steady progress towards realising this goal.

"The monthly figures continue to show that we are headed in the right direction in terms of our commitment. The number of people killed on our roads continues to decline as our vigilance and commitment persists," said Minister Carlisle.

In 2008, 1 739 people were killed on our roads. The number has decreased steadily to 1 567, 1 476 and 1 321 in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively. The total fatalities by the end of July 2012 were 707.

Notwithstanding wetter and more dangerous conditions on our roads in July, for the month, 96 fatalities were recorded. This is the lowest figure since 2008, when 160 lives were lost.

"These figures show that our various interventions are making an impact on the way in which road users are conducting themselves on our roads. Drivers are becoming more and more aware of the effects that their actions have, not only on their and their families well-being, but also on that of others," added Minister Carlisle.