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Festive season fatalities are on the rise after 10 people were killed in two separate accidents on Eastern Cape roads over the weekend.

Yesterday, 9 January 2022, nine people were killed and 10 passengers were seriously injured after a head-on collision between two minibus taxi’s at Makhanda (Grahamstown).

On the same day, another person was killed in an accident in Perseverance Road in Port Elizabeth.

The Democratic Alliances (DA) would like to express our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We call on all road users to be vigilant while driving and appeal to drivers to take frequent breaks.

Vehicles must be 100% roadworthy before embarking on any trip and no overloading is allowed. We call on drivers to obey the rules of the road and to refrain from using cellular phones while driving. Speed kills, so keep within the regulated speed limits. It is better to arrive at your destination late, than not to arrive at all.

But most importantly, as we approach the end of the festive season, let us be tolerant and patient in order to stay safe on our roads.

In a capable state, there would be respect for the rules of the road, brought about by a strong awareness campaign, round the clock visible policing and strict penalties for those who fail to adhere to the rules. In the Western Cape, for instance, traffic officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The DA will continue to fight for improved law enforcement on our provincial roads. The people of the Eastern Cape deserve better.

Issued by DA EC Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport Marshall von Buchenroder