Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
3 January 2025 | 10:30 CAT
3 min read

The Eastern Cape is reeling from a devastating surge in road fatalities this holiday season, with 202 lives lost on the province’s roads. The N2 and R61 have emerged as the deadliest routes, accounting for more than 60 deaths. Eastern Cape Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose attributed the alarming statistics to a combination of factors, including widespread drunk driving.

According to Binqose, despite authorities arresting over 500 individuals for driving under the influence in just 30 days, many offenders evaded detection, contributing to fatal accidents largely attributed to human error. “Whether that ‘human factor’ is induced by drunk driving or just pure recklessness, I do not know. But what we have seen is an unprecedented high number of head-on collisions and head-on collisions in their nature, more than any other kind of crash, will always account for lives. So that is the problem that we’ve encountered as a province over the past couple of days,” he said.

He highlighted that the Eastern Cape has also witnessed a concerning number of crashes involving minibus taxis, which often result in significant casualties due to the high number of passengers. In just a few days, the province has recorded three major accidents involving minibus taxis. Two of these crashes claimed over 10 lives each, while another resulted in five fatalities.

When addressing driver competence and road safety, Binqose emphasised the need for introspection at both provincial and national levels. “These incidents have made me question the quality of drivers the province is producing,” he said, calling for an introspection across the country.

Binqose pointed out a striking trend: many accidents in the Eastern Cape involve vehicles registered outside the province, such as GP (Gauteng), NW (North West), and CE (Free State) plates. This suggests that drivers from other regions, some possibly holding licenses issued outside the Eastern Cape, are contributing to the province’s road fatalities. He said that for those who believe this is purely an Eastern Cape issue, the data shows otherwise, highlighting the need for nationwide reforms in driver training and licensing standards.

Binqose has expressed support for initiatives like refresher courses for drivers as a way to improve road safety, but he emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach. “We believe that that sort of intervention will certainly make a dent. However, we also need more boots on the ground for traffic law enforcement officers. We need a bit more visibility, and we need to complement that with technology,” he added.

He stressed the importance of integrating advanced technology such as speed tracking and cameras.

Reflecting on recent trends, he noted that despite a significant 21.5% reduction in road fatalities last year, this festive season has been devastating, with over 150 fatalities recorded in just 31 days. “We aimed to maintain or surpass last year’s progress, but these numbers are staggering. We need to be honest with ourselves and identify where we can improve to prevent such tragedies,” he said.

Binqose highlighted the tragic reality of head-on collisions, where even the most cautious drivers can become victims due to the reckless actions of others. He pointed to the common cause of these accidents: dangerous overtaking, particularly on national roads like the N2, one of the best-maintained routes in the province. He noted that many of these crashes occur on national roads where overtaking multiple vehicles is a significant factor.

He also acknowledged the success of outreach efforts to farmers, with the message about livestock management seemingly having an impact. However, he emphasised the urgent need to refocus attention on drivers’ responsibility. “Learner drivers are taught not to overtake on barrier lines, yet we are seeing these dangerous practices too often,” he said.

Binqose also brought attention to the overlooked victims of accidents—those who survive with life-altering injuries. “For every person that dies, our stats tell us that there’s more than one person who has been injured. So the number of those who are injured is a lot more than those who have passed on,” he added.

As the holiday period draws to a close and many drivers begin their journeys back home or to work,  Binqose shared an important message for those hitting the road. “Be patient with one another. Don’t speed or overtake where it’s unsafe,” he urged. “It’s better to arrive a little later than not at all at your destination.”

He acknowledged the frustration of feeling that some of the messaging hasn’t reached everyone. “It’s not too late,” Binqose emphasised. “As long as people are still alive, we can make a difference.”

Binqose reminds the public of the responsibility that all drivers share in ensuring the safety of themselves and others on the road. “These roads are not ‘killer roads’—they are means to connect us with our loved ones. Let’s use them with care and responsibility,” he said.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Unathi Binqose, Eastern Cape Transport spokesperson, here.