Gauteng festive travel: Record drunk driving and bribery arrests as holiday rush peaks
Record arrests for drunk driving and bribery hit Gauteng roads as festive travel peaks.
A total of 48 motorists—the highest ever—were arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers, while 4,106 were arrested for drunken driving.
Arrests for drunken driving have increased by 125% compared to 2024.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, law enforcement will be intensified over the weekend in townships and municipal areas, as crash statistics show a marked increase on Christmas Day and the Day of Goodwill, when holidaymakers often overindulge in alcohol.
With the South African Weather Service forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in parts of the country, motorists are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, use headlights, and avoid crossing flooded bridges.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation reminds all drivers that safety is everyone’s responsibility during the holiday season.



