Thousands arrested across SA for drunk driving
Law enforcement will step up efforts this week as there is an expected second peak in travel from Friday.
A total of 3 078 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving and being in possession of false documents in countrywide roadblocks. This is according to Road Traffic Management Corporation spokesman, Simon Zwane.
Zwane added that the arrests were effected during the more than 200 roadblocks set up across the country since the start of December.
“To date, traffic officers have issued traffic fines to 152 243 drivers for various transgressions of traffic regulations. More than 10 000 drivers were also fined for failing to wear seatbelts while 1 426 were fined for talking on their cell phones while driving,” he said.
He said law enforcement will step up efforts this week as there is an expected second peak in travel from Friday, 23 December when drivers will be travelling to various places of worship for Christmas.
The highest number of arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol was recorded in Gauteng where 1 639 motorists were arrested. Meanwhile the Free State recorded the highest number of arrests for speed with 113 motorists nabbed.
Traffic authorities are planning a clampdown on road traffic violations over the Christmas long weekend in an effort to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, be aware of pedestrians and respect the rules of the road,” Zwane said.
