The implementation of the Our Road safety plan involved the Road Traffic Inspectorate, eThekwini Metro Police and SAPS, in efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities over the Easter weekend.
Image: TUMI PAKKIES/Independent Newspapers
Drunk driving arrests increased by a staggering 39% over the Easter long weekend.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said 934 motorists were arrested nationwide from Thursday to Saturday.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane on Monday said drunk driving remained a major concern on the roads during the period.
“Arrests related to driving under the influence of alcohol increased by a staggering 39% as law enforcement officers intensified efforts to save lives,” he said.
Zwane said the 934 arrests marked an increase of 263 compared with the same period last year.
In one incident, a Newcastle bride was left waiting at the altar as her groom was arrested for driving under the influence on the scheduled day of their wedding.
The arrest was part of a campaign by the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) that resulted in 2582 people being charged with various traffic violations across KwaZulu-Natal - 270 motorists were charged with driving under the influence.
The operation, dubbed #NenzaniLaEzweni, aimed to enhance road safety, particularly emphasising the dangers posed by driving under the influence.
Those arrested included a diverse group of professionals: a lecturer, a safety manager, two teachers, two nurses, a pharmacist, a chief liaison officer from a local municipality, and a student, demonstrating that the threat of intoxicated driving permeates all facets of society.
KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, voiced his strong stance against irresponsible driving, stating, “Arrest all of them and have no mercy.”
Zwane also noted a 31.6% rise in the number of vehicles impounded.
“A total of 1,215 vehicles were impounded, compared with 923 during the same period last year,” he said.
“This indicates that more vehicles were transporting passengers without permits or in violation of permit conditions, as operators attempted to make a quick profit.”
However, Zwane said there was a sharp decrease in unroadworthy vehicles, with discontinued vehicles declining by nearly 30%.
“A total of 688 vehicles were discontinued, compared with 979 in the same period last year,” he said.
He added that law enforcement officers would continue monitoring traffic on national and alternative routes as the long weekend drew to a close.
“Motorists are urged to cooperate with officials and comply with all rules. It is always better to arrive home later than not to arrive at all,” he said.
The Easter long weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods, with holidaymakers journeying across the country.
Cape Times