In what has been described as the most comprehensive and extensive traffic enforcement campaign in a long time, the National Rolling Enforcement plan has seen more than 4 429 000 vehicles and drivers checked and more than two million fines issued for various driver and vehicle fitness offences around the country since the 1 October to date.
More than seven thousand drivers have been arrested for drinking and driving, reckless and negligent driving, (including excessive speed), overloading of public passenger transport vehicles, fraudulent documentation, stolen items and bribery. More than 26 000 vehicles were impounded or discontinued for being grossly un-roadworthy or not having the correct public transport documentation.
The aim of stopping and checking one million vehicles per month is being exceeded as traffic authorities have deployed officers along major hazardous locations and hot spots. Inter-active stopping and checking of vehicles and drivers has led to greater visibility and awareness of the campaign. “Motorists should be aware that while the Festive Season is nearing the end, the campaign will continue as a year-round campaign. We will continue to maintain a high presence to ensure that we reduce the offence rate by 50%. This will then bring down the casualty rate”, said Mr. Collins Letsoalo, Acting CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
“We have identified drinking and driving as a key focal area for 2011 and regular blitzes, roadblocks and patrols by marked and un-marked vehicles will ensure that drunken drivers and pedestrians are removed from the road,” he added. Un-roadworthy vehicles, particularly those with poor tyres and brakes will be discontinued.
The preliminary statistics for people who died on our roads since 1 December 2010 until 4th January 2011 is 1358 out of 1133 fatal crashes. Last year there were 1 548 fatalities out of 1204 fatal crashes during the same period, including the un-captured.
South Africa has moved from the 7 days standard to comply with the international
standard of recording fatalities within 30 days, as per the Moscow Declaration. Last year’s daily stats during the same period was based only on what had been captured. To ensure more accuracy this year, we use the SAPS CAS System even if we have not yet received the AR forms from the respective police stations.
The contributory factors remain speeds too high for circumstances, tyre failure, fatigue and drinking and driving or drinking and walking. This weekend will see the major, final exodus of motorists from various holiday destinations ahead of the re-opening of schools and industries next week. Traffic authorities will be out in full force to curb errant motorists. Motorists are urged to buckle-up, obey all traffic rules and be aware of travelling in inclement weather. Night time travelling poses its own challenges and drivers should be aware of pedestrians, stray animals and potholes. A popular defensive driving tip is to ensure that you do not drive faster than your headlamp can see.
Let us ALL Make Roads Safe.
Enquiries:
Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448
Traffic Police on high alert as heavy traffic expected
