Provincial traffic authorities have hailed law enforcement officers for their “hard work” in managing traffic that resulted in low road fatalities figures in the days leading up to and including the New Year long weekend.
Acting MEC for Mobility, Dr Ivan Meyer, said at least 14 deaths were recorded, 70 drivers arrested for drunk driving and a further nine nabbed for driving at excessive speeds.
Meyer said between December 28 and January 2 a total of 315 roadblocks were set up to monitor and control traffic.
He said about 42 910 vehicles were stopped and checked at the roadblocks, with 12 651 fines issued for traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
A further 431 speeding offences were recorded, 41 vehicles were impounded and 152 were discontinued for being unroadworthy.
Pedestrians accounted for the highest number of road fatalities once more, and while the number was considerably less than in the previous reporting period, it was still concerning, Meyer said.
He urged motorists to be considerate towards pedestrians.
Pedestrians were often killed in collisions with vehicles travelling faster than 60km/h, he added.
“Slowing down will give you more time to avoid pedestrians in the road. If you are travelling more slowly and you collide with a pedestrian, the pedestrian is more likely to survive. Be particularly careful when you come across child pedestrians. They may behave unpredictably and may struggle to understand how quickly a vehicle is moving,” Meyer said.
The highest speeds recorded this week were 178km/h in a 120km/h zone, 139km/h in a 100km/h zone and 124km/h in an 80km/h zone.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) warned that law enforcement agencies remained on high alert on the roads.
The RTMC said more than 2000 motorists were arrested nationwide for various driving offences between December 1 and 20 last year.
“Evidence shows that some motorists continue to operate unroadworthy vehicles on public roads, placing the lives of other motorists at risk,” the agency added.