Partygoers are advised to prioritise their own safety and avoid walking in public areas or driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Law enforcement operations are being scaled up across the country to deal with drunken driving, reckless and negligent driving as well as pedestrian safety. These operations will not be limited to freeways and highways.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation stated that many operations will take place within suburbs and townships to improve safety and ensure compliance with the law.
December 1 to 3 saw a worrying spike in lawlessness and reckless behaviour due to excitement and revelry associated with a pay-day weekend where some people received year-end bonuses, RTMC noted.
A total of 74 026 vehicles were stopped and checked, 12 229 traffic fines issued for speeding, driving without the use of a safety belt, driving without a driving licence, driving unlicenced vehicles and driving vehicles with worn-out tyres, among others.
“A total of 308 drivers were arrested for various offences including drunken driving, excessive speeding as well as reckless and negligent driving. The worst speedster was caught driving at 184 kilometres an hour on a 120 kilometres zone on N4 Middelburg in Mpumalanga,” RTMC stated.
The worst drunk driving incident was recorded in Gauteng, where a motorist registered a breath alcohol concentration of 1.72mg per 1 000mg, which is seven times above the legal limit.
According to the RTMC, the Road Traffic Act determines that the concentration of alcohol must be less than 0.24mg per 1 000ml of breath.
“Provincial, metro and municipal traffic authorities have been given instructions to be strict with law enforcement. The RTMC continues to monitor the implementation of the festive season safety plan that was outlined by the Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga in Tsakane on November 26,” it stated.
