Increased law enforcement visibility leads to reduced crashes
The reduction in the number of road crashes and fatalities during December 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 should largely be attributed to increased law enforcement visibility on various roads in the province.
Mpumalanga – The reduction in the number of road crashes and fatalities during December 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 should largely be attributed to increased law enforcement visibility on various roads in the province; this is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.
According to preliminary report, Mpumalanga recorded 567 crashes from 1 to 31 December 2013 while 591 accidents were recorded for the same period in 2012 and this represented a decrease of 4,06%. These crashes resulted in 109 fatalities as compared to last year’s 130 fatalities and this represents a reduction of 16,15%.
There was an increase of 12,14 % in serious injuries as 428 people were seriously injured in December 2013 while only 376 sustained serious injuries in December 2012.
649 people sustained slight injuries in the same period while 660 people escaped with slight injuries in 2012 and this represents an increase of 1, 6%. The problematic roads in the province remain N4, R40, N11, R573, R33, D797, N3 and N12.
The report further indicates that Nkangala Region is leading with 212 crashes that claimed 47 lives followed by Ehlanzeni Region which recorded 203 crashes that resulted in 35 fatalities. 154 crashes were reported in Gert Sibande Region and this saw 27 lives being lost.
MEC Shongwe has welcomed these decreases but he was still worried that the numbers were still too high and that road users need to prioritize road safety at all times. Shongwe said tough measures should be taken against those who violate traffic regulations in order to deter future transgressors.
He said drivers need to take driving seriously and ensure that they are extremely vigilant at all times while they are on the road.
“We need to reduce crashes and save lives. We must play our part in making our roads safer as most accidents are attributable to human error,” the MEC said.
Meanwhile Mpumalanga traffic authorities have stopped 202122 vehicles which included 20163 minibus taxis, 3764 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), 44610 Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs), 5447 sedans and 2435 busses among others. The vehicles were stopped during various roadblocks that were conducted throughout the province from 1 to 31 December 2013.
The operations led to 1518 people being served with written notices for dangerous overtaking while 14075 motorists were fined for speeding. 3193 fines were also issued for faulty tyres. A further 2132 cases of motorists driving without safety belts were also reported.
Over 1000 vehicles had faulty lights and 1182 vehicles were discontinued as they were deemed dangerous to be on the road while 1757 vehicles were impounded. 102 motorists were also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, overloading, driving without valid licenses and false documentation among others.
The MEC has welcomed the hard work and commitment displayed by the law enforcement agencies saying they should continue with same vigour even beyond the holiday season.
