Concessionaire operator of the N1N4 toll route, Bakwena announced today that it recorded nine fatalities in December 2017 and three between 1 and 15 January 2018 on the N1N4 toll route. This figure is significantly lower than 2016 when 12 fatalities occurred in December 2016 and 19 in January 2017.
Bakwena spokesperson, Liam Clarke, says the country’s safety drive over the festive season was characterised by an increase in visibility of law enforcement as well as roadblocks which checked for road worthiness, overloading and alcohol abuse.“According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, more than 924 000 vehicleswere stopped and checked throughout the country and more than 105 000 driverstested for alcohol.”
Clarke says Bakwena and the local traffic authorities along the N1N4 continuously strive for zero fatalities on the roads. “While the numbers of fatalities are down from last year, one life lost is still one too many.”
He highlights the importance of taking all variables into account when analysing road accident statistics. “In December, we experienced about a 2% increase in the number of vehicles on Bakwena-managed routes. An increase in car registrations and a reduction in foreign travel last year indicate that there is an increase in domestic traffic during holiday peak periods. This means, despite increased volumes and greater opportunity for incidents, the statistics can be viewed in an even more favourable light.”
Bakwena continues to partner with traffic authorities from Tshwane Metro Police, Limpopo, Gauteng and North West Provincial Traffic, whose presence assists in reducing accident statistics.
Importantly, the N1N4 toll concessionaire takes several measures to ensure motorists are informed about peak travel times ahead of holiday periods. This allows them to plan when to travel and avoid peak traffic times. In addition, road maintenance and construction is suspended to reduce delays and unnecessary frustrations that could lead to unsafe driving behaviour.
The ongoing partnership with Imperial and Hyundai contributed significantly towards the reduction of accidents through additional route patrols and roadside assist services, which were effective in removing stationary vehicles and reducing obstructions.
“We are pleased that the ongoing efforts of the Department of Transport and various other stakeholders around the country, such as ourselves, have seen an overall decline in incidents. We urge motorists to adhere to road safety measures all the time.
In fact, our wish for motorists in 2018 is that they always drive carefully and reach their destinations safely,” concludes Clarke.