GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - "The Road Traffic Management Corporation calls for vigilance, patience and respect for the rules of the roads as the festive season holidays come to an end, and travellers prepare to return home," requests Unathi Binqose, media representative for Road Safety of the Department of Transport in the Eastern Cape.
"Roads leading out of coastal areas and neighbouring states are expected to experience high traffic volumes over the weekend.
Law enforcement officers have been deployed to monitor driver behaviour on the roads, and reduce the number of crashes and fatalities."
Seven thousand, four hundred and forty-eight people were arrested on South African roads over the festive period for various offences including among others drunken driving, speeding, and attempted bribery.
Highest alcohol
The highest breath alcohol level recorded was 2.47mg/1000ml on the R61 in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape on 27 December.
The arrests were made from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025 according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
Eastern Cape recorded 455 arrests for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in December.
Highest speed
The highest speed recorded was in Limpopo on the N1. A motorist was caught driving 209km/h in a 120km/h zone on 17 December.
As of January 1, a total of 1 157 032 vehicles were stopped and checked by Road Traffic Authorities as part of the festive season enforcement plan aimed at promoting safety on national roads.
Officers issued 408 783 written charges for various traffic violations and 6 034
vehicles were discontinued.
Be cautious
The RTMC continues to caution motorists to be cautious when driving under rainy conditions.
Drivers are reminded to do the following when driving in rainy conditions:
- Put lights on
- Reduce speed
- Increase the following distance
- Avoid the use of cell phones and other distractions
Take responsibility for the lives in your vehicle and lives in other vehicles on your route.
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