GAUTENG. – Gauteng Traffic Police Spokesperson Sello Maremane reports that preliminary statistics indicate that Gauteng province has recorded over 200 road traffic fatalities since the beginning of the festive season.

Maremane stated that pedestrians account for almost 50% of the fatalities.

On Sunday, the Gauteng Traffic Police intensified deployment of officers along major routes.

Maremane says, “Gauteng Traffic Police has intensified deployment of officers along Gauteng major routes and freeways to ensure the safety of road users as part of an Integrated Festive Season Law Enforcement Plan.

“The officers will embark on a series of heightened law enforcement activities which will be carried out across the province at identified freeways and hotspots.”

Maremane said the aim of the deployment is to reduce road traffic crashes leading to fatalities.

“Gauteng province has in recent times experienced serious forms of dangerous driving such as reckless and negligent driving, disregard to traffic signals and passengers overloading due to the rush to make profit especially during the Festive season.

“Three children lost their lives yesterday (Saturday)in Salvokop following a reckless and negligent behaviour by a BMW driver who was allegedly spinning the car. In another incident, a pedestrian was hit by a VW polo on the R101 near Hammanskraal,” he said.

“Through the deployment of officers, the Gauteng Traffic Police will continue to work together with various law enforcement agencies and coordinate operations through data driven projects to reduce road fatalities, respond to reported incidents and support SAPS with crime prevention and combatting initiatives in the province.”

Maremane says it is very concerning that pedestrians continue to make up a high number of road fatalities.

Maremane attributed the high mortality rate to not wearing reflective gear at night, violation of traffic signal, distracted walking, distracted driving, using public roads whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and jay-walking amongst others.

The Gauteng Traffic Police will also deploy Road Safety practitioners in built up areas situated along the freeways and other road identified as dangerous to enhance road user knowledge and to increase pedestrian compliance with road traffic rules and signs.”