Transport Minister Blade Nzimande says he's dismayed with the lawlessness on the country's roads which has seen 767 people killed so far this festive season, a 16% increase on the same period last year.
He warned that the Department is expecting traffic volumes to increase dramatically from Friday as millions of people travel to various holiday destinations to be with their families for Christmas.
Dr Nzimande revealed that since the 1st of December, 34 minibus taxis and 44 trucks have been involved in fatal road accidents.
He said he was especially concerned by the impact of public transport and freight vehicles in fatal road crashes.
He added that the Transport Department was facing a massive challenge but remained resolute in its quest to curb road deaths.
The Eastern Cape has recorded at least 32 road fatalities in the past week alone, which includes four people who were burnt to death just before 5 am on Thursday when their vehicle plunged off the M4 freeway in Port Elizabeth, and down an embankment.
The names of the deceased, believed to be two men and two women, have not yet been released.
