20 December 2007
As part of the Arrive Alive and Operation Safer Festive Season, traffic
authorities have declared an offensive against traffic offenders. Offences
targeted through multi-purpose roadblocks are:
* overloading (goods and passengers)
* vehicle roadworthiness
* drinking and driving
* driver licenses
* vehicle registrations and licenses
* seatbelts (front and rear).
Moving violations targeted through roving patrols are:
* cell phone usage whilst driving
* unsafe and unlawful overtaking
* reckless and negligent driving
* disregard of road traffic signs and signals
* not indicating when changing lanes.
Already 1 438 motorists have been arrested nationally since the beginning of
December. Most of these arrests resulted from drunken, reckless and negligent
driving, speed and overloading. Road users are warned that there will be
continued roadblocks and high visibility policing throughout the festive season
and those who take chances do so at their own peril.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Department of Transport urge
all road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads as we approach
Christmas and New Year celebrations and to expect delays in peak traffic.
Pedestrians are advised to:
* wear light coloured clothing at night to increase their visibility to
motorists
* avoid walking or crossing the freeway, it is illegal
* if you have been partying ask a sober friend to walk you home or take a
taxi
* always walk facing on coming traffic so that you can see and be seen by
motorists.
Safety tip: It is easier to avoid killing pedestrians if you are driving
more slowly.
Enquiries:
Ms Thandi Moya
Cell: 076 751 0905
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Issued by: Department of Transport
20 December 2007
Source: SAPA
