JMPD arrests 1 500 errant drivers over festive season

05 January 2017

 

More than 1 500 drivers were arrested in Johannesburg for drunken driving and speeding as the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) clamped down on errant behaviour on the city’s roads during the festive season.

 

JMPD had deployed more than 2 500 officers throughout the city during the holiday period to ensure that offenders who did not adhere to the rules of the road met the full might of the law. Several roadblocks were mounted on the freeways, major roads and other hot spots throughout the city.

 

JMPD Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the number of motorists who drove under the influence of alcohol was a cause for concern.

 

“Every year during the holiday season we plead with motorists to do the right thing by keeping to the speed limit, not drinking while driving and pulling over when they want to text,” said Minnaar.

 

He emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules of the road and being considerate to other road users.

 

“When people respect the rules of the road, they will minimise the number of accidents and fatalities that we have on our roads. We, as JMPD, cannot do this alone, hence we ask motorists to join us to make our roads safer,” said Minnaar.

 

He said there had been a 17% increase in the number of road deaths nationally over the festive season. Johannesburg also experienced an increase in road fatalities, he said.

 

“On New Year’s Day, a taxi collided with a Corsa along the R550, south of Johannesburg, causing both vehicles to burst into flames. Both occupants of the Corsa and six people travelling in the taxi were burnt beyond recognition,” said Minnaar.

 

He said there was a greater need for road users to be responsible on the road. Minnaar urged motorists:

 

• To drive within the speed limit;

• Not to overtake when it is not safe to do so;

• To refrain from drinking alcohol or taking drugs before undertaking their journeys;

• To wear their seat belts at all times; and

• To adjust the speed when driving in the rain.