Overindulging leads to carnage on the roads
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best
The festive season is in full swing and with it comes the annual worries about road safety.
One of the main contributors to the yearly fatalities during the Christmas period is the over consumption of alcohol. Between 1 December 2012 and 8 January 2013 more than 1200 accidents occurred. An estimated 1500 people died. And its not just drunk driving that causes deaths. 40% of the 1500 who died were pedestrians. Most of them were drunk.
In a statement made just before Easter, the then transport minister, Ben Martins, said that statistically 1000 people die in road accidents each month. 40 people a day. He also said that annually road fatalities cost more than R3 bn.
On the 20 November the new transport minister, Dipuo Peters, launched the Festive Season Law Enforcement Campaign. One of the resolutions was to increase visibility of law enforcement, to act as a deterrent for any wrong-doing.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaar of the JMPD has said that there will be, “zero tolerance with regard to vehicle and driver fitness.” The JMPD will be on the lookout for motorists who drive without licences, disregard road signs, markings and barrier lines. They will crack down on those who drive recklessly as well as those who speed. He added that there would be stringent attention paid to drunken driving and unroad-worthy vehicles. All this will be done in accordance with the national enforcement plan implemented by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
For those who plan to overindulge this festive season, be sure to make use of taxis, buses, safe-cabs, or a designated driver. If you decide to walk, drink a lot of water before leaving. Wear visible clothing, and stick to the pavements or sidewalks facing on-coming traffic. Stay away from busy crossings if at all possible, and ask someone to walk with you.
