From January to April 2012, 24 703 drivers were arrested including 7017 for drunk driving, 378 for reckless and/or negligent driving, 908 for excessive speeding, 391 for overloading, 12 975 for outstanding warrants of arrest, and 446 for not being in possession of valid public transport permits.
A further 279 were arrested for false documentation, 208 for not being in possession of a valid driving licence and 2 101 for various other offences.
During the same period, 4 067 297 vehicles and drivers were checked, 1 457 516 fines issued and 17 343 un-roadworthy vehicles discontinued from use.
Ndebele reiterated his call for citizens to be ambassadors for road safety.
"We call upon all law abiding road users to continue to conduct themselves in a manner that says: I'm responsible. Road Safety is my responsibility. We encourage them to be ambassadors for road safety, and play their part wherever they find themselves in making our roads safer."
The month of May marks one year since the launch of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, which aims to reduce road deaths around the world by 50% by 2020.
"As government, we will ensure that every day is safe on our roads. These deaths and injuries not only cause enormous pain and suffering to the victims and their families, but also costs our economy billions of rands each year. Enlist as a Friend of the Decade of Action. Together, we can put an end to deaths and injuries on our roads," said the minister.
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