Durban: The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is intensifying efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities as holidaymakers prepare to return to the cities and places of work in the next few days.

In a statement the RTMC said the interventions will include the mobilisation of traditional leaders and engagements with public transport operators.

It said it will focus on the districts where a number of high crashes and fatalities have occurred.

"The analysis of fatal crash statistics since the start of the festive season has revealed the Amathole district in the Eastern Cape in one of the top ten districts experiencing a high number of crashes and fatalities nationally. The district is one of seven districts in the province, and it stretches from Idutywa to Fort Beaufort and includes towns such as Butterworth and Stutterheim."

The RTMC said statistics showed that fatal crashes in this district involved public transport vehicles that had driven long distances between the Western Cape or Gauteng without sufficient rest.

"Law enforcers and the South African Taxi Council have observed that some drivers did not depart from designated areas in the district during peak periods and travelled inter-provincially to pick up passengers and were fatigued when the crashes occurred."

The other districts that will be under focus because of the high number of fatal crashes are eThekwini Municipality, City of Johannesburg, City Cape Town, City of Tshwane, Capricorn, Ekurhuleni, Cape Winelands, Vhembe and Fezile Dabi.

Statistics show that 37.6% of fatal crash occur between 18:00 and 01:00 and involved pedestrians.

The RTMC said traffic is expected to peak from January 1 to the 6th and law enforcement will intensify focus on public transport and visibility.

"A dedicated team has been put in place to monitor implementation of the road interventions and progress. Motorists are reminded to plan their routes appropriately and avoid travelling at night."

THE MERCURY