Gauteng Traffic Police Easter period roundup
Pedestrian fatalities increased by 35 per cent from a 30 per cent recorded in 2019.
According to the Gauteng Traffic Police, Gauteng recorded 30 crashes resulting in 36 fatalities over the Easter weekend. No fatalities were reported during huge traffic volumes on April 1; however, fatalities were experienced on April 2 between 6pm and 10pm.
Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane said this was as a result of people driving under the influence of alcohol.
“While the figures are relatively high, the law enforcement authorities have observed that a significant amount of work has been done to reduce the number of crashes leading to fatalities. The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to reinforce law enforcement operations in the province following a high number of reported fatal crashes that led to major loss of life during the Easter weekend. To this end, the Gauteng Traffic Police have adopted 365 days towards making road safety a priority,” he said.
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The Gauteng Traffic Police have also noted that pedestrian fatalities increased by 35 per cent from a 30 per cent recorded in 2019. “What is of a concern is that most of these fatalities occurred between midnight and the early hours when people were expected to adhere to the curfew put in place by the government to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 virus. It is encouraging that passenger fatalities declined from 38 per cent to 34 per cent. Deaths among vehicle drivers and cyclists remained unchanged at around 30 per cent and one per cent, respectively.”
Maremane said the use of technology on Gauteng roads has assisted to ensure vehicles that are not roadworthy are discontinued, drunken drivers and speedsters are apprehended and locked behind bars. “The Gauteng Traffic Police would like to extend its deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones during the Easter period and wish a speedy recovery to those receiving medical treatment as a result of injuries sustained from fatal crashes,” said Maremane.
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