Motorists warned as traffic police adopt no-nonsense approach this festive season

Compounding the problem of bad driving during the festive season was the persistent wet weather conditions, according to Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP).

Speaking to The Citizen on Sunday, the spokesperson for the GTP Obed Sibasa said wet and slippery roads including potholes have made the situation even worse.

Alert level 2 warnings for severe weather were issued on Friday as well as on Saturday for various parts of the country.

ALSO READ: Extreme weather warnings issued ahead of New Year celebrations

“We recorded 11 accidents, moderate to minor and we think this is because many motorists decided to stay home in ushering in the New Year,” said Sibasa.

With the long weekend still in full swing, Sibasa said one of the biggest challenges remains that of human behaviour where people still drive under the influence of alcohol and speeding.

“167 people were arrested on New Year’s Eve for various offences and one of them was a drunk driver who rear-ended an off-duty police officer in Meadowlands, Soweto.

“Another five drivers were arrested on the Western Corridor for driving under the influence of alcohol on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

Sibasa said with the end of the festive season fast approaching, traffic challenges have now migrated to townships and suburbs where the majority of fatal crashes have occurred.

Mabaso said not only has it been motorists contributing to road crashes but also pedestrians.

“Our message to pedestrians drinking in public, walking along or crossing freeways; is you will get a free ride, free accommodation, you will be arrested.

“We can’t stress this enough, pedestrians must make use of pedestrian overhead bridges to cross freeways,” Sibasa added.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said a few days ago over 3000 people were arrested since the start of the festive season.

ALSO READ: Over 3000 arrested as hundreds die in festive road carnage