North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa says that his department will intensify its speed and drunken driving operations in order for it to meet its goal of providing safer roads particularly towards, during and beyond Easter holidays and the Football World Cup.
According to the analysis of the most fatal road accidents presented by MEC Yawa at the parade held to mark the closure of the Arrive Alive Festive Campaign-When Duty Calls Operations in Potchestroom last Friday, speed was the highest contributory factor towards the death toll in the province. Thirty six percent of road fatalities were caused by speeding while 25 percent were caused by pedestrian jay walking. Yawa said that speed has consistently been the main factor for the death toll for the past five years.
The province recorded a 1,9 percent increase in road crashes from 101 in 2008 to 103 over the past December festive period and reduced road fatalities by 9,2 percent from 141 to 128.It exceeded its five percent target by 4,2 percent.
The zero tolerance law enforcement operations issued tickets to 33 088 motorists for various traffic violations. A total of 12 195 motorists were caught for speeding during the 728 speed operations which were conducted over the December festive season.
“The arrest of 66 drivers for drunken driving over the period has obviously saved the lives of the very drivers and those of innocents other road users,” asserted Yawa.
He made an undertaking that his department will sustain the momentum gained through the Speed to Easter Campaign which will be launched with in partnership with faith based organisations and the public transport sector.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
