SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - Since the beginning of December until now, the Western Cape experienced a number of very serious motor accidents that resulted in unnecessary loss of lives.
Provincial traffic operations so far indicated that the following focus areas should receive special attention and be prioritised to change the unacceptable negative behaviour of motorists:
- Drunken driving
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Speeding
- Unroadworthy vehicles
- Failing to wear Safety Belts – drivers and passengers
- Distracted driving (Talking and texting on cellphones)
- Overtaking on barrier lines
- Inconsiderate driving
- Pedestrians on freeways and drunk pedestrians
According to provincial traffic chief, Kenny Africa, Statistics show that the Western Cape has achieved a decrease in fatalities from 1-9 January compared to 2018. “There is a great possibility that if we collectively can contain the negligent actions of drivers over the remaining period we can still reduce our overall festive season fatality statistics across the province,” he said.
“This coming weekend will be crucial if we want to achieve the said decrease in fatalities, therefore it is imperative that motorists should work hand in hand with law enforcement entities in the Western Cape (All-hour number: 021 946 1646 or 021 812 4581/2). This weekend we will exercise a no-nonsense approach in terms of all traffic offences and deal decisively with all motorists who endanger the lives of fellow road users,” he said.
More RBT (Random breath testing) and EBAT (Evidentiary breath alcohol testing) operations will be implemented during this time, which Africa says will contribute to minimise motor accidents.
“I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to all traffic officials for the hard work done so far and as a collective, we can confirm that the decrease shown in January is an indication that we can stop the ongoing slaughtering on our roads, however, the need for a total partnership between law enforcers and road users cannot be over emphasized and should be non-negotiable. Motorists need to respect one another and a positive change in their behaviour is inevitable,” said Africa.
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