Northern Cape police urge festive season road caution after deadly crashes

THE NORTHERN Cape police have urged motorists to exercise heightened caution on the province’s roads following a worrying number of fatal crashes recorded during the festive season.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape, recent road accident deaths have raised serious concern, prompting renewed calls for responsible driving as traffic volumes increase over the holiday period.

The warning follows a devastating spell on Northern Cape roads in which eight people lost their lives in separate crashes. Seven people, including a baby, were killed in a head-on collision between an SUV and a light delivery vehicle on the N12 between Kimberley and Warrenton on December 13, when both vehicles reportedly caught alight. In a separate incident, a 68-year-old truck driver died following a multi-vehicle collision involving three heavy-duty trucks on the R31 near Koopmansfontein, with wet and slippery road conditions believed to have contributed to the crash. Both incidents are under investigation by police in the Northern Cape.

Police say many crashes can be prevented if motorists take basic precautions before and during their journeys, particularly as long distances, high temperatures and holiday fatigue place added strain on drivers and vehicles.

Motorists are being encouraged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling, with particular attention paid to tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers. Police have also stressed the importance of obeying speed limits, adjusting driving behaviour to weather conditions, and avoiding dangerous overtaking.

Driver fatigue remains a major risk factor on Northern Cape roads, with police advising motorists to rest at least every two hours on long trips. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be highlighted as a leading cause of fatal crashes.

Road users are also urged to remain alert and share the road responsibly with pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, especially in busy holiday corridors and rural areas.

Northern Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of all road users during the festive season and beyond, adding that public co-operation is critical in preventing further loss of life.

Police have reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and that small decisions behind the wheel can make the difference between arriving safely and tragedy.