Almost 600 people killed on SA roads during festive season

489 deadly crashes were recorded in the same period. 

"This represents a significant 30 percent reduction, followed by passengers at 34 percent. Drivers at 26 percent and cyclistys at one percent. All provinces recorded a reduction in fatalities," he said. 

Mbalula delivered the mid-festive season road safety stats in Limpopo on Monday. 

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of deaths from all the provinces at 133. 

Mbalula says they will intensify patrols and checks concentrating on seatbelts and drunk driving. 

Meanwhile, more than 70 motorists have been arrested for drunk driving over the weekend in Durban. Among them was a taxi driver transporting a fully-loaded vehicle.  

Durban Metro police spokesperson, Parboo Sewpersad says roadblocks have been set up in and around the CBD and other popular spots -as part of efforts to clamp down on bad behaviour. 

"This number has increased if you at last year's figures. Last year's figures in totality were just under 5 000 from January to December. This year alone we have not yet reached the end of December and we have already passed the figure of 5 000," he said.