Western Cape road deaths down

There has been a steady decline in road fatalities in the Western Cape, the provincial transport department said on Wednesday.

Provincial transport MEC Robin Carlisle said 707 deaths had been recorded on Western Cape roads in 2012, an all-time low in comparison to the last four years.

Carlisle said his department stated in 2009 it aimed to halve road deaths by 2014.

“The monthly figures continue to show that we are headed in the right direction in terms of our commitment.”

A total of 1739 people were killed on the province's roads in 2008. This declined to 1567 in 2009, 1476 in 2010, and 1321 in 2011.

“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.”

Carlisle said motorists were becoming more vigilant on the roads. - Sapa