Ms. Gabisile Shabalala, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, warned drivers against drunk driving saying that it will receive increased attention because intoxicated drivers continue to cause mayhem on the road.
She called on all traffic law enforcement officers to show no tolerance to speedsters or any careless driver behavior.
MEC Shabalala has also appealed to community members to report reckless and negligent drivers not only during the holiday season.
She said: “Festive Season is usually associated with increased travel as many people take to the road to be with their loved ones and others are going on holiday.
“What is sad is that during the previous holiday seasons, some of the travelers never made it to their destinations because they were killed as a result of road crashes. Others sustained life changing injuries as a result of these crashes and many families have been left devastated due to the loss of their loved ones.”
She encouraged drivers that they should obey the rules because most of these crashes could have been avoided had greater care been taken and this would have saved many lives.
“All road users particularly drivers, should ensure that they are fit and proper to operate vehicles. They must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that once on the road, they do not overload.
“Those who do not have valid documents and relevant permits should not take chances, because their journeys will be cut short.”
Another focus will be placed on violations such as dangerous overtaking, excessive speeding, usage of cell phones while driving, disregarding traffic lights and stop signs among others.
The province will stage road blocks and other road safety operations on routes that have been identified as major contributors to the number of crashes in the previous holiday seasons.
