The Western Cape’s Mobility Department said it is alarmed by the number of arrests made in relation to drunk driving.
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According to figures from the department, between 11-17
December 2023, 103 motorists were arrested for being three sheets to the wind.
This number has more than quadrupled to the previous week’s 25 arrests made.
‘’The festive season is in full swing, and we are deeply concerned about the rising numbers of traffic crashes and fatalities on our
roads. We need road users to take this situation seriously and obey the rules
of the road,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.
In the same period, thirty people lost their lives on the
province’s roads, with half of these being pedestrians.
‘’The actions that keep people alive on the roads are
simple - buckle up, check your vehicle and tyres, do NOT drink and drive, do
NOT speed or take chances overtaking dangerously, stop and rest when tired or
every 200km,’’ said Mackenzie.
The MEC also lamented the reckless behavior of truck
drivers.
‘’Road freight companies - which are key to keeping our
economy running - must ensure their truck drivers behave safely and are not
under pressure to take risks. I have been flabbergasted watching large tucks
overtaking two or three other trucks without adequate visibility. Or drivers
not taking rest breaks to combat fatigue. Just one driver falling asleep at the
wheel can have fatal consequences for many,’’ said Ricardo Mackenzie, Western
Cape Mobility MEC.
Mackenzie urged road users to abide by the rules of the
road
‘’Our Provincial Traffic Officers are out in full force
working closely with the South African Police Services and local authorities
and doing an amazing job to ensure everyone arrives safely home. But we need to
see road users stepping up and working with us to combat road crashes and fatalities
this festive season.’’
We appreciate people abiding by the rules of the road but there are still too many people behaving irresponsibly!
We must work together and turn the situation around to ensure we all arrive safely home. pic.twitter.com/dJsyfbZwoh
He added that the figures for crashes and fatalities since
the beginning of December will be released in a Mid-Festive Season Report later
this week.
Done By: Mitchum George
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