Easter road safety: Over 600 drunk driving arrests as authorities clamp down across provinces

As the long Easter weekend comes to an end, authorities across the country are intensifying efforts to curb road accidents and fatalities, with significant arrests reported in Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape

The Easter period typically sees increased travel, as many families head to religious gatherings, traditional ceremonies, or holiday destinations.

However, the season is also often marred by tragic road incidents, many of which are linked to alcohol abuse.

Mpumalanga records 18 road deaths during Easter weekend

In Mpumalanga, at least 18 people lost their lives in multiple road crashes between 17 and 19 April.

More than half of the fatalities occurred in the Nkangala District.

Among the most serious incidents, six people were killed on Thursday afternoon in a head-on collision on the N4 toll road between Machadodorp and Belfast.

Five people died on the scene, while a sixth succumbed to injuries in hospital.

In another tragic crash on the same route near Middelburg, two people died and 13 others were injured when a mini-bus taxi overturned after the driver reportedly lost control.

Elsewhere, three lives were lost on the R35 between Bethal and Middelburg in a collision involving a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and an articulated truck.

ALSO READ: Easter weekend turns tragic as multiple accidents claim lives across SA roads

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, said many of these deadly collisions could have been prevented.

“We are pleading with every driver to ensure that they use the road cautiously. People must stop overtaking dangerously and driving with excessive speed so that they can safely reach their destinations,” Macie said in a statement.

He stressed that if all road users prioritise their own safety and that of others, road fatalities could be drastically reduced.

The MEC further urged public transport operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to take breaks every two hours or after every 200 kilometres (KMs) driven.

Over 100 arrested for drunk driving in Mpumalanga

As part of ongoing Easter operations, traffic officers in Mpumalanga have stopped and checked over 13 500 vehicles.

More than 5 000 vehicles passed through weighbridges, and over 2 700 summonses were issued for various violations.

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The authorities also arrested over 100 motorists for drinking and driving.

Macie praised law enforcement for their proactive stance and added that officers must remain relentless in enforcing the law and bringing reckless drivers to book.

500 nabbed in Eastern Cape

In the Eastern Cape, road safety operations have also yielded results, with around 500 drunk drivers reportedly being arrested during the Easter weekend.

According to Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose, the focus on drunk driving was showing promising outcomes.

He highlighted a significant decline in the number of crashes and the number of fatalities on roads and an increase in the number of those arrested for drunk driving.

Binqose further appealed to motorists to remain responsible and vigilant, particularly on busy routes like the N2 and R61, as traffic volumes continue to rise.

In Limpopo, two suspects were arrested in Polokwane for attempting to bribe National Traffic Police officers in an effort to avoid being charged with drunk driving.

It is alleged that the individuals offered R600 and R100, respectively, in bribes to the officer.

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