The minister called for heightened caution and vigilance by motorists and road users to ensure they stay safe on the roads.
In January it was reported that at least 1,502 people died in 1,234 fatal crashes over the festive season — a 5.3% increase from the previous year, with a 4.2% rise in the number of crashes.
“There is appalling lack of respect for traffic laws and South Africans must change our behaviour on the roads,” she said at the time.
“The number of people who died on the roads this festive season increased because people continue to behave badly despite the ministry's pleas and warnings and notwithstanding their efforts to clamp down on irresponsible and reckless behaviour. It is clear that many road users — drivers and pedestrians — continue to act without regard for the lives of others.”
She said authorities would direct their efforts at changing the behaviour of road users, invest in designing and engineering safer roads, enforcing safe speeds in high-congestion areas and enhancing emergency response systems and access to quality trauma care.