RTMC warns residents to be vigilant during the festive season
308 drivers were arrested for various offences including drunken driving, excessive speeding as well as reckless and negligent driving.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) warns those who will be attending year-end parties and stokvel celebrations to do so responsibly.
Party goers are advised to prioritise their own safety and avoid walking in public areas or driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Simon Zwane, RMTC chief communication officer said law enforcement operations are being scaled up across the country to deal with drunken driving, reckless and negligent driving as well as pedestrian safety.
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“These operations will not be limited to freeways and highways. Many will take place within suburbs and townships to improve safety and ensure compliance with the law.”
Between December 1 and 3 he saw a worrying spike in lawlessness and reckless behaviour due to excitement and revelry associated with a pay-day weekend where some people received year-end bonuses.
According to Zwane, a total of 74 026 vehicles were stopped and checked, 12 229 traffic fines issued for speeding, driving without the use of a safety belt, driving without a driving licence, driving unlicensed vehicles and driving vehicles with worn out tyres, among others.
He further added that a total of 308 drivers were arrested for various offences including drunken driving, excessive speeding as well as reckless and negligent driving.
“The worst speedster was caught driving at 184 kilometres an hour in a 120 kilometres zone on N4 Middelburg in Mpumalanga.,” said Zwane.
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“The worst drunk driving incident was recorded in Gauteng where a motorist registered a breath alcohol concentration of 1,72milligrams per 1000 millilitres which is seven times above the legal limit.”
The Road Traffic Act determines that the concentration of alcohol must be less than 0, 24 milligrams per 1000 millilitres of breath.
Provincial, metro and municipal traffic authorities have been given instructions to be strict with law enforcement.
The RTMC continues to monitor the implementation of the festive season safety plan that was outline by the Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga in Tsakane on November 26.
