Festive season road death toll hits 500
Deaths and arrests soar – alcohol takes top spot as cause of fatal crashes
MORE than 500 people have been killed so far in road traffic accidents from the beginning of December.
Last week, transport Minister Depuo Peters was quoted in articles saying 487 people had died between 1 and 13 December, and after the weekend, this number is now more than 500.
More than 1 400 people died on our roads during the 2014 festive season.
These shocking statistics however are linked to a massive number of arrests.
In Johannesburg, nearly 300 motorists were arrested on Saturday night for numerous offences, an unusually large amount for a single night.
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Road Traffic Management Corporation Simon Zwane told The Star that more than 1 000 motorists have been arrested at roadblocks for being under the influence of alcohol.
Accidents involving drunk pedestrians, drunk drivers and high speeds as well as unroadworthy vehicles is currently on top of a list of accident causes.
Officials are also expressing concern over the apparent lack of regard motorists are showing to pleas from government and emergency services to drive more carefully.
Sadly, officials fear the death toll will rise towards the end of the week as thousands of holidaymakers travel to go on holiday or to spend Christmas with their families.
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