Easter accidents reduced in Mpumalanga
12 April 2012
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe has
attributed the reduction of road fatalities to enhanced police visibility and
aggressive road safety education implemented by the department.
Shongwe was speaking after the province recorded 27 road fatalities
compared to last year’s 31 road deaths. Out of 27 people who were killed, 12 of
them were pedestrians. 136 people were seriously injured while 130 sustained
minor injuries.
The province has recorded 121 accidents for the long Easter Weekend and
the region with the highest number of accidents was Ehlanzeni South with 41
accidents, followed by Nkangala region with 30 accidents while Ehlanzeni North
and Gert Sibande regions recorded 24 and 26 accidents respectively.
Shongwe says although there was a reduction in fatalities as most drivers observed traffic rules and regulations, there is still a need however to seriously enhances pedestrian safety awareness on the roads. Most of the accidents that involved pedestrians were recorded on R538, R573, R40 roads and N17.
“While our primary focus has been on excessive speeding, drunk driving and other offences, pedestrian safety awareness campaigns also need to be escalated,” the MEC added.
Shongwe has called on law enforcement agencies to continue bringing to book those who break the law needlessly on the roads even beyond the Easter Holidays.
He says it is the responsibility of all citizens to ensure that
accidents are reduced by adhering to the rules of the road and reporting those
who are not complying with regulations to traffic authorities.
“As part of changing driver behaviour, the department will continue rolling out awareness programmes in the current financial year to enhance road safety education in order to facilitate attitudinal change in drivers,” the MEC said.
Meanwhile the department has stopped a department has already stopped
over 50 000 vehicles between 1 and 9 April 2012 at various rest stops and alert
stops as well as road blocks across the province.
During the period 10 722 notices were issued, 300 vehicles were
discontinued while 11 vehicles were impounded, 2786 were screened for alcohol
and 55 drivers were arrested for drunken driving while 1 person was arrested for
negligent and reckless driving. Four other people were nabbed for driving
without drivers licenses while two were arrested for presentation false
documentation. 12 other people were arrested for various other traffic offences
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
