Pretoria – The Department of Transport is set to investigate ways of ensuring a reliable statistical databank for road fatalities, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters announced on Tuesday.
“A reliable databank wouldn’t only assist us in ensuring that we have accurate figures regarding road-related incidents, fatal crashes in particular, but would guide how we respond to challenges of road carnage besetting our country.
“We need scientific analysis to unearth the exact causes of some of the horrific crashes we have witnessed on our roads. Every road-related incident, particularly the major ones with fatal consequences, should be thoroughly analysed in order for us to come up with remedial actions that would prevent further recurrences,” she said.
Peters will soon consult various potential stakeholders within government, the private sector and civil society to map out an all-inclusive approach that would see each role player making a positive contribution towards this cause.
The department and other law enforcement authorities currently depend on the South African Police Service for information on road-related incidents.
Peters said the planned approach would see her department, Police, Justice and Constitutional Development, Health, Social Development and other relevant state entities working together to address preventative and responsive measures.
“We also need to have our research bodies in government on board to explore innovative means of addressing the challenge of road carnage.
“Traffic authorities in all three spheres of government should work closely together to ensure sharing of information and best practices,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
