The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) reports that the minister encouraged all road users to adhere to road regulations. According to preliminary reports from the Transport Department, 181 people died on the country's roads during the 2012 Easter weekend period - down from last year's figure of 296.
"We would like to compliment all road users who adhered to the rules of the road, as well as all our law enforcement officers and emergency services personnel who went beyond the call of duty. Keep up the good work," Ndebele said, adding that while the statistics were positive, much still remained to be done: during the weekend, 56 roadblocks were held and 905 motorists were arrested - 562 for drinking and driving, 226 for reckless and negligent driving and 117 for other offences. About 355 unroadworthy vehicles were taken off the road and 249 public transport vehicles were impounded.
Speeding, dangerous overtaking, fatigue, drinking and driving and tyre problems were contributing factors to accidents. In a bid to reduce road fatalities, Ndebele has instructed that a minimum of 10 000 motorists be screened for alcohol every month. He said road deaths and injuries not only caused enormous pain and suffering to the victims and their families, but also cost the economy billions of rands each year, the GCIS says.
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