Drunk driving – major problem over Easter weekend
JOBURG – JMPD Easter operation yields results as 640 drunk drivers were arrested across the City.
The 22-point-check roadblocks that Metro Police held over the Easter weekend seem to have yielded positive results. “What this means is that we hold 22 roadblocks across the City at the same time which increase the possibility of motorists to be stopped or drive past one of the roadblocks,” explained Metro Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaar.
He said from Thursday till Sunday during the Easter weekend, they managed to put behind bars 640 motorists who were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Metro Police also arrested motorists who were found to be driving over the speed limit. “We arrested 53 drivers for speeding. Some of them were found to be driving more than 40 kilometers per hour faster in a 120km zone and others were found to be driving more than 50 kilometers per hour faster in 60km zones,” said Minaar.
Only three fatalities were recorded throughout the City and Chief Supt Minaar said their high-visibility operation could have helped in making sure that motorists obeyed the rules of the road and drove carefully.
In Gauteng Province, the Department of Community Safety said 29 fatal crashes with 38 fatalities comprising of 16 pedestrians, 14 drivers and eight passengers were recorded during the Easter weekend.
Nationally, the country recorded an increase of road deaths compared to last year – 94 more people died and brought the total number of deaths for this year to 287 – compared to the 193 deaths of last year. The number of crashes recorded this year was 208, which is also higher than the 148 crashes reported last year.
Releasing the national Easter weekend accident statistics, the Minister of Transport Dipuo Peters highlighted that the Easter weekend was indeed a challenge as it coincided with month end, school holidays and various religious pilgrimages. “These carnages and unwarranted misery brought about by irresponsibility and careless behaviour could have been avoided,” said Peters.
Political party, Congress of the People (COPE) is very disappointed with the long weekend death and injury toll. “It is scandalous that government is failing the people and many law-abiding citizens so pathetically and allowing many scoundrels to do as they please on the road,” said party spokesperson Dennis Bloem.
Bloem urged the Minister of Transport to stop what he said was empty promises and threats. “Government must make sure that our enforcement agencies vigorously prosecute those who break the law. Talking tough and appearing radical in front of the Media is no substitute for tough action. We need less talk and a great deal more action,” concluded Bloem.
