The most dangerous roads to travel in South Africa this December

South Africa’s roads are once again under the spotlight as the festive season approaches, with the Department of Transport (DoT) issuing a stark warning about the most dangerous routes in the country.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, speaking at the launch of the 2024 road safety campaign, revealed that road crashes cost the South African economy a staggering R205 billion in 2023.
Of the 11,883 fatalities recorded last year, a sobering 1,285 occurred during the festive season, a period notorious for a spike in accidents and road-related deaths.
“These statistics are sobering,” said Creecy.
“The number of road crashes and the impact on our people and our country is a tragic story of death and destruction, year in and year out.
“Behind every statistic is a story – a life lost, a family left grieving, or often there is a person dealing with life-changing injuries,” she added.
To curb this tragic trend, the Department is working closely with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), along with provincial and municipal authorities, to implement targeted interventions aimed at ensuring safer travel this December.
These efforts will focus on enforcement, education, and pedestrian safety, particularly on routes identified as the most dangerous based on accident data.
The list of high-risk routes includes key national and provincial roads across the country:
- Limpopo: R71 Mankweng, R37 Mecklenburg and the N1 Naboomspruit
- Mpumalanga: R573 KwaMhlanga, N4 Vosman and N4 Nelspruit
- Gauteng: R21 Kempton Park
- North West: N12 Potchefstroom and N12 Klerksdorp
- KZN: N2 Pongola and N2 Umkomaas
- Eastern Cape: R61 Mzamba, N2 Libode, N2 Idutywa, R61 Umthatha, N2 Mount Ayliff, R61 Libode and N2 Umthatha
- Western Cape: N2 Khayelitsha
To address the risks, Creecy confirmed that stringent monitoring would be in place on these routes, with traffic law enforcement working 24/7 to curb dangerous behaviours.
Research indicates that most crashes occur late at night, over weekends, and during the early morning hours.
As a result, authorities will focus on speeding violations, vehicle roadworthiness, and the critical issue of drunk driving.
Offenders will face severe consequences, including jail time.
Minister Creecy urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, carry valid documentation, and adhere to critical safety practices, such as taking breaks every two hours on long journeys, obeying speed limits, and avoiding overtaking on barrier lines.
Pedestrians were also warned to use designated crossings, wear bright clothing at night, and stay off the roads when under the influence of alcohol.
The emphasis on safety comes as South Africa ranks among the world’s most nerve-racking countries to drive.
According to a survey by UK-based Scrap Car Comparison, South Africa is placed 21st out of the 25 scariest driving destinations, with a “scare score” of 6.8 out of 10.
The ranking was based on responses from 2,000 international motorists who cited the dangerous driving of other road users as their primary concern.
While India topped the list with a score of 7.15, South Africa’s position reflects ongoing concerns about road safety.
With the festive season approaching, South Africans are urged to prioritise road safety.
Simple measures such as buckling up, planning ahead, and avoiding reckless driving could mean the difference between life and death.
By working together to prioritise safety, both motorists and pedestrians can help ensure that this holiday season is not marred by tragedy but remembered for joyous celebrations shared with loved ones.