Several motorists were arrested and/or fined over the past weekend, 15 to 17 January 2010, as part of the Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign. Among those arrested was a mini-bus taxi driver who was apprehended yesterday, 17 January evening on the N2 near Sezela in KwaZulu-Natal for travelling at a speed of 156 km/h in a 120 km/h zone as well as overloading. He was granted bail of R5 000 and is expected to appear in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court today, 18 January.
On Friday, 15 January evening, a motorist was arrested on the N2 near Fairbreeze in KwaZulu-Natal for travelling at 202 km/h in a 120 km/h zone and is also expected to appear in court today, 18 January. From 1 December 2009 to 17 January 2010, more than one million vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked across South Africa, as part of the Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign.
During the above period, more than:
* 988 road-blocks were conducted
*.1 141 447 vehicles and drivers stopped and checked
* 3 939 drunk drivers arrested
* 298 motorists arrested for reckless and negligent driving
* 155 drivers arrested for overloading
* 186 public transport drivers arrested for offences relating to public transport permits
* 214 arrests for offences relating to driving licences and false documentation
* 3 305 un-roadworthy vehicles removed from the roads, including 1 737 buses and taxis
* 297 000 motorists fined for speeding
* thousands of drivers also fined for non-wearing of seatbelts and other offences.
According to preliminary reports, 315 deaths (90 drivers, 135 passengers and 90 pedestrians) were recorded on South Africa’s roads, as a result of 253 crashes, from 1 to 17 January 2010. According to the United Nations, each year, more than one million people are killed in road crashes around the world. The vast majority are in low and middle-income countries. In addition, some 50 million people are severely injured. Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called on vehicle manufacturers, public and private donors, non-governmental organisations, the religious sector, victims of road crashes, families of those killed and injured in road crashes and experts to partner with government to do much more towards safer roads.
“Together, we must all do much more to reduce the economic and emotional devastation caused by road crashes and road deaths. We, therefore, call on vehicle manufacturers, public and private donors, non-governmental organisations, the religious sector, victims of road crashes, families of those killed and injured in road crashes, experts and in fact every South African to partner with government in working towards safer roads and vehicles and greater investment in preventing road traffic injuries. Road traffic deaths and injuries are preventable. The millions of people who use our roads everyday deserve safer roads,” said the Minister. Road safety is everybody's responsibility. All road users are encouraged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
18 January 2010
