Polokwane - There were 56 fewer deaths on Limpopo's roads during December compared to the same period in 2009.
In December 2009, 166 people died on the provinces roads, compared to 110 in December 2010.
"Of the 110 victims, 41 were pedestrians, 36 passengers and 33 drivers," said spokesperson for the provincial department of roads and transport, Callies Matlala, on Monday.
He attributed the lower death rate to the visibility of law enforcement on the roads during the festive season.
He also praised ordinary citizens for heeding the call to follow the rules of the road.
Matlala said that as people return to work this week, they should drive with caution, avoid speeding, not drive while tired and keep a safe following distance. "Pedestrians should also wear visible clothing at night and should avoid walking on the road."
He said that since 1 January, another three people had died in separate incidents in Limpopo, including two pedestrians and a passenger.
At about 1am on Saturday, a 25-year-old man was thrown out of a car when it rolled several times on the gravel road approaching the tarred T-intersection to Polokwane and Matlala. The man died on the scene.
"The driver of the car as well as the second passenger both sustained serious injuries and were taken to Seshego hospital," said Seshego police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mothemane Malefo.
Also on Saturday, two children were struck down by a car while walking along a road during a heavy downpour in Musina.
Chief traffic officer at the Musina traffic department, Muvhango Nembambula, said that during December, roads in Musina were crowded with pedestrians, cars and trucks, many of which were headed for the Beitbridge border post.
"The reason for the congestion is that there are no alternative routes - that is why all cars pass through town. We tried our level best to minimise the number of accidents."
Nembambula said that the heavy rains on 24 December and on New Year's Day kept most people indoors, reducing the risk of accidents.
