Pretoria - A total of 1023 people have died on the country's road since the beginning of the festive season.
The 1023 fatalities mainly came as a result of the 853 fatal crashes across the country so far.
According to a report released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RMTC) in the latest horrific crash, 19 people died on Monday in the Free State when a mini-bus collided with a sedan.
RTMC spokesperson Ashref Ismail said road fatalities comparisons to previous year cannot be done at this stage as all the crash reports have not been captured.
On Tuesday, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele instructed traffic police to confiscate and provisionally suspend drivers' licences of those arrested for road traffic violations.
This will affect those who will be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drug, reckless or negligent driving as well as excessive speeding.
Once arrested, the license will be kept by the arresting authority pending the outcome of the case during which time the offender will not be allowed to drive a vehicle.
Ismail said while seatbelts do not prevent a crash from happening, it reduces the chances of a fatality or serious injury by more than 50 percent.
"Motorists are urged to ensure that all occupants are buckled up at all times, no matter the speed or length of the journey," he said.
