Road deaths decreased by 31,12 percent over the 2008 to 2009 festive season, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said.

Road deaths decreased by 31,12 percent over the 2008 to 2009 festive season, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said.

The corporation said yesterday the decrease was despite an increase in the volume of traffic.

"RTMC's analysis has shown a slight increase in traffic volumes during the festive season," RTMC said

There was a marked increase recorded at Queenstown on the N6 where 102723 (118,88 percent) more vehicles were counted in both directions in December to January, compared with a similar period in 2007 to 2008. Another increase of 24151 (7,5 percent) in traffic volumes was recorded at Verkeerdevlei to and from Johannesburg and Durban.

At toll roads, a recorded decrease in traffic volumes could be attributed to the use of alternative routes to avoid toll fees, said the corporation.

To address missing the counts of traffic volumes on routes without toll gates, RTMC officials worked on these routes to monitor traffic volumes.

"It was confirmed that there was indeed an increase in traffic volumes," RTMC said.

The corporation appealed to all road users to continue safe driving and to work together to realise the Millennium Development Goal of halving road accidents by 2014.

To maintain and improve the pattern that was set during this festive season, RTMC in partnership with law enforcement agencies would continue with operations across the country.

"Our rolling enforcement plan does not only focus on busy periods, but also outlines activities throughout the year."

Operation Safer Festive Season will be replaced by Operation Juggernaut in February. - Sapa