8 April 2007
Many people are relaxing and enjoying themselves at various holiday
destinations, some probably drinking alcohol. Ninety people have already died
on the roads from 70 fatal crashes since the start of the long weekend.
Seventeen were drivers, 38 passengers and 35 pedestrians. Amongst the social
problems in South Africa, the irresponsible use of alcohol and driving is
considered by the Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign as the most devastating in
terms of loss of life.
Our statistics on our roads attest to drunk drivers doing the following:
* forgetting to dim their headlights for oncoming traffic
* changing speed or lanes frequently without any reason
* overshooting stop signs or completely ignoring them
* driving on the shoulder of the road or towards the centre line
* having low awareness of the speed they are travelling and not anticipating
dangers on the road.
What we want to stress is that driving in traffic is a complex task as you
have to make constant decisions. The saying (after a few drinks I'm a better
driver) is wishful thinking. Remember not to shorten your lifetime, don't drink
and drive.
Fore more information, please contact:
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Issued by: Department of Transport
8 April 2007
Source: SAPA
