With authorities noticing no end to road crashes, especially on weekends, the Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane reaffirmed that road-safety operations will continue beyond Transport Month (October).
This year’s Transport Month, observed under the theme ‘Together shaping the future of Transport’, saw a total of 14 338 drivers being charged for committing various road traffic offences in the province, including causing accidents and driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Our statistics reveal a grim picture of blatant disregard for the rules of the road – especially on weekends – often resulting in many fatalities. We have noted that human factors such as excessive speeding, jaywalking, reckless and negligent driving, distracted driving such as using a cellphones while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol have contributed immensely to these fatal crashes,” said Maremane.
He encouraged all road users to be cautious and adhere to the prescribed road safety regulations at all times. “The Gauteng Traffic Police will continue conducting road safety activations even beyond Transport Month. Among other there will be roadblocks focusing on unroadworthy vehicles and on drunk drivers, as these are some of the major factors contributing towards road fatalities,” he said.
Gauteng Traffic Police recorded the following statistics for the period 1 to 28 October:
• 29 000 vehicles were stopped and inspected for roadworthiness, and 80 were discontinued from operating on Gauteng roads due to unroadworthy conditions
• 14 338 drivers were charged for committing various road traffic offences
• 17 public transport vehicles were impounded for operating without operating licences
• 82 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
• 37 drivers were arrested for reckless and negligent driving as well as excessive speeding
• 19 900 vehicles were weighed for overloading, of which 1 140 were charged for overloading, and three drivers were arrested for overloading
• 10 stolen vehicles were recovered
• 18 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including being in possession of illegal firearms, drug dealings and motor vehicle theft
