The Gauteng Department of Community Safety is concerned about the growing rate of drivers who are arrested while under the influence of alcohol on Gauteng roads. This follows the arrest of more than 140 drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol over the long weekend.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and other prohibited substances often results in impaired driving causing unnecessary accidents and loss of lives.
The department advises motorists, particularly public transport operators, to comply with the rules of the road during this festive season. Over the long weekend, 11 people also lost their lives due to fatal crashes. The long weekend was characterised by high traffic volumes as many citizens embarked on their journey to various holiday destinations.
The department would like to call upon the law enforcement authorities to intensify road safety activations, including roadblocks focusing on drunk drivers, unroadworthy vehicles and freight overloading as these are some of the major contributing factors towards fatal crashes.
It is also important that drivers exercise caution by adhering to the rules of the road and drive at no more than the prescribed speed limit in order to save the lives of passengers and other road users. Importantly, the department also wants to issue a stern warning to road users who continue to undermine the rule of law by drinking and driving, offering bribes and committing fraud every time they are in conflict with the law.
“We shall continue to intensify and embark on a series of road safety activations and other crime prevention operations this festive season to ensure the safety of Gauteng citizens. The department will also complement law enforcement initiatives by deploying community patrollers at identified targeted parks and open spaces as well as public transport hubs,” said Ofentse Morwane, departmental spokesperson.
