With most of the Easter long weekend travellers having reached their destinations, the volumes and flow of traffic have subsided in the past three days on the major roads of the country such as the N1, N2, N3 and N4.
Law enforcement officials have for this weekend been focusing operations within towns and residential areas where Easter celebrations and festivities have largely been taking place to deal with transgressions such as drinking and driving and speeding.
As of today, officials will begin preparing for the long drives back as the long weekend draws to a close. They will continue to focus their attention on the major routes, i.e. N1, N2, N3 and N4.
Transport Minister, Honourable Dikobe Ben Martins has called upon all motorists and road users travelling during this Easter weekend to continue to exercise caution and vigilance, to remain calm and to observe all the rules of the road as they move from one point to another.
“We call on all South Africans to join hands with us in our efforts to reduce road deaths. We want to re-emphasise the need to exercise extra caution and obey all the rules of the road without exception at all times. We can reduce road fatalities by keeping to the set legal speed limit, driving when we are fit to do so, by ensuring that our vehicles are roadworthy, by wearing seatbelts at all times, and not drinking and driving and not drinking and walking” said Minister Martins.
Minister Martins says pedestrians are as vulnerable as motorists and passengers. At least 46% of people who die from road related incidents are pedestrians. This includes people who walk in and cross highways in violation of laws of the road. The Minister equally warns those who are hell-bent on breaking every rule of the road in the country.
"When we intercept you, we will deal with you decisively in accordance with the provisions of the law. Those who drink and drive will be arrested immediately without negotiations and risk having their driving licenses cancelled. Those who drive at break-neck speeds, your unlawful conduct will deliver you in our hands and we will act decisively," says Minister Martins.
The Minister and Deputy Minister of Transport have been criss-crossing the country, visiting road safety operations and educational activations in their bid to endure a reduction in road fatalities. During Easter 2012 the country saw a reduction in road fatalities down to 171 from almost 300 during Easter 2011.
"It is possible. We can to do it if we all join hands and each one of us takes personal interest and responsibility in what happens in our roads," says Minister Martins.
Together, we can save millions of lives!
For more information:
Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 570 1275
