Police caution rise in road accidents over Easter
Statistics indicate that 60% of people killed in road accidents are pedestrians.
EVERY year, more drivers and pedestrians die in road accidents during the Easter weekend.
According to the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA), fatalities have increased to 241 during the popular long weekend last year from 217 in 2012 and 151 in 2011.
‘Traditionally, the Easter holiday break is a high risk period in South Africa for road deaths and accidents and with a year-on-year increase since 2011, it is up to all South Africans to remember the grim consequences of an irresponsible approach to alcohol use,’ said ARA CEO Dr Osborn Mahanjana.
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Debbie Ferreira reiterates the strong message.
‘Road accidents are on the increase, especially over peak holidays when the public celebrate the ‘festive fever’.
‘We urge people to organise designated drivers or taxis and refrain from driving after attending a party, braai or other recreational activities where alcohol will be consumed.
‘If you get caught driving drunk, you will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.’
Pedestrian deaths
Surprisingly, the statistics indicate that 60 percent of those killed in road accidents are in fact pedestrians.
‘Based on these and other statistics from previous years, both during December and April, we can certainly see a trend that pedestrians who consume too much alcohol are putting themselves and other road users at risk when they cross roads,’ said Mahanjana.
‘It is happening in villages, townships and other residential areas rather than on the national highways.’
‘About 864 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol last year and a significant number of fatalities were a result of pedestrians walking on the road under the influence of alcohol as well as failure to wear visible or reflective clothing at night.
‘Other factors such as reckless driving, not buckling up, speeding, lack of taxi or public transport permits, false documentation and driving without licences can all be contributing factors to road accidents.
‘In addition, this is a particularly busy time of the year as it coincides with school holidays making the roads more congested than usual,’ Mahanjana said.
