Eastern Cape sees alarming rise in drunk driving arrests ahead of Christmas
A tragic road crash took place just outside Stuttehein towards East London last week. Around 20 midi bus passengers were injured, while three occupants of a sedan died on the scene.
Image: Supplied
The Eastern Cape Department of Transport (EC DoT) has warned of a surge in drunk-driving arrests over the festive season so far, with 451 motorists arrested in the past two weekends.
Last weekend alone, 213 drivers were apprehended during traffic operations aimed at ensuring road safety. A further 238 arrests were made the following weekend, concluding on Sunday, December 21, at 6am. This brings the total to 451 in a short span, highlighting a pressing issue of road safety in the province.
The breakdown of arrests across municipalities in the Eastern Cape includes:
- Amathole - 74
- Chris Hani - 58
- OR Tambo - 43
- Alfred Nzo - 35
- Joe Gqabi - 15
- Sarah Baartman - 13
The Department expressed concern that these figures persist despite ongoing campaigns urging motorists to exercise responsibility and care while on the roads.
"The Department views these figures as deeply troubling, particularly as traffic volumes continue to increase and families travel long distances to reunite for the festive season. Driving under the influence remains one of the leading contributors to fatal crashes, injuries and irreversible trauma on our roads," said Unathi Binqose, spokesperson for the EC DoT.
As the festive season progresses, he said law enforcement agencies have vowed to intensify roadblocks, patrols, and visible policing to deter drunk driving. Motorists were reminded that there will be a "zero tolerance for drunk driving," with those caught flouting the law facing the risk of arrest and prosecution.
EC DoT appealed to road users to "act responsibly, plan ahead, make use of designated drivers or alternative transport, and remember that no journey is worth a life".
Cape Times