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Transport minister Dipuo Peters says the festive season depicts a gloomy picture of the state of road safety in South Africa.
She says for the period 1 December to 5 January, 1 368 people died in 1 118 fatal crashes on the country's roads.
Presenting the latest figures to the media on Friday, the minster said this is 0.6% less fatalities than the same period last year.
She said although fatal crashes were also down by 2,5%, it was no reason to celebrate.
Peters said of all the fatalities, 39% were passengers, 36% pedestrians, 24% drivers and 1% cyclists.
