MINISTER of Transport Dipuo Peters proudly announced a 46 per cent decrease in the number of road fatalities this Easter.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 29, the Minister welcomed the arrests of 913 drunk drivers, 502 of whom were driving above the speed limit and ignoring traffic signs and messages discouraging the habit.
The highest speed recorded was 227km/h, in the KwaZulu-Natal, with the Gauteng Province following at 206km/h.
The Minister also announced that three hijacked vehicles linked to serious crimes were recovered in Gauteng.
Between Thursday, March 24, and Monday, March 28, 156 fatalities were recorded by traffic officials, making that a 46 per cent decrease, compared to last years’s 287 fatalities during the Easter period. There were 156 deaths compared to 287 for the same period last year.
“This decrease comes after an increase in the number of registered vehicles on the roads,” said the Minister.
”And, while we welcome this decrease and a milestone has been reached, our task is not yet done. For as long as there are people dying on the roads, our work must and will continue.”
Peters also announced that two traffic officials were arrested on allegations of soliciting bribes, while another was reported.
Meanwhile, JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Wayne Minnaar told the COURIER that in Johannesburg, a lot of motorists were stopped and educated on the dangers of reckless driving, while others were arrested for drunken driving, with 121 arrested for speeding.
“JMPD is very satisfied with the 46 per cent decrease achieved this Easter. It shows that road safety campaigns hosted by various road safety entities worked,” said Minnaar.
