Whilst human error contributes to most road crashes, intolerance on the part of motorists is also to blame; this is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.
MEC Shongwe has called on road users to be more tolerant with another, roads are shared spaces and some of the ways to reduce crashes is for motorists to consider other road users.
“We need increased tolerance and vigilance on the part of all road users so that we can save
more lives this Festive Season. We will all arrive safely at our destinations if we abide by traffic
regulations and are driving with great caution,” MEC Shongwe said.
Meanwhile preliminary reports indicate that Mpumalanga roads have claimed 74 people lives out of 334 accidents since the beginning of December. 235 people survived these accidents with serious injuries while 364 were slightly injured.
Nkangala Region had 34 fatalities, followed by Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Regions
with 23 and 17 respectively.
MEC Shongwe says most accidents are caused by overloading, drunk driving, excessive speeding, fatigue, failure to obey road signs and non-roadworthy vehicles.
“Traffic officers must not show any mercy to motorists who are not obeying traffic rules, because we preach the same gospel throughout the year that traffic rules must be obeyed by all time. These messages continue to be ignored endangering other people’s lives,” says MEC Shongwe.
He added that law enforcement operations in all corners of the province will be staged on most
roads to ensure that holiday makers reach their destinations safely.
He further applauded traffic officers for arresting 22 drivers between December 16 and 22 in the
province during normal day to day operations.
Ten drivers were arrested for drunk driving and five more motorists were nabbed for excessive speeding, while seven people were also arrested for outstanding traffic fines.
The highest speed recorded was 200km/h where Mr. RJ Moyo was arrested on the N3 Road
between Heidelburg and Villiers on December 17. He appeared in Grootvlei Court and was
granted a R2500 bail.
During the operations, 53431 vehicles were stopped and checked and 8312 fines were issued
to motorists for various traffic violations. 692 vehicles were also impounded while 342 were
discontinued for not being road worthy.
The department continues with activities planned for the festive season holidays including rest
stops, speed checks, awareness campaigns and road blocks.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison Mr. Joseph Mabuza
