MEC lauds Easter fatalities drop, calls for more vigilance

kWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu, has lauded the marginal decrease in the number of road fatalities in the province over the Easter weekend.

Mchunu said while the decrease in the number of crashes and people’s lives lost was a good sign, he was still very concerned that it remained high.

“With fatalities standing at 30, we lost six fewer lives than last year when we lost 36 people from 35 crashes. This is not acceptable, because one life lost is one too many. While we are beginning to see fruits of our Operation Valingozi road safety campaign messages, we should be concerned that some motorists still drive under alcohol influence and blatantly disrespect road traffic rules,” said Mchunu.

During the last weekend, 30 316 vehicles were stopped across the province by multi-disciplinary law enforcement officers for compliance checks. At least 145 vehicles were impounded for various defects, scores were arrested for high speed with one caught driving at 206 kilometres at 120 kilometre zone.

“Our law enforcement officers were in full force patrolling our corridors during this weekend. We had operations throughout the province in our four regions. Our focus was particularly on the long distance public transport operators and heavy motor vehicles. Among the offences were drinking and driving, unfastened seat belts, inconsiderate driving, and unlicensed drivers,” said Mchunu.

“As government we remain committed to ensuring that we prevent further road deaths on our roads. That is why we will continue with our awareness campaigns as we get ready for another long weekend and appeal to motorists to also be on their best behaviour to avoid loss of life on our roads,” said Mchunu.