JMPD worked hard during the festive season

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) deployed more than 2 500 officers throughout the City of Johannesburg during the festive season to deal with motorists contravening the rules of the road.

Several roadblocks were mounted on freeways, major roads and other hot spots throughout the city, resulting in more than 1 500 drivers being arrested for speeding and driving under the influence.

According to the JMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, the number of motorists who were driving under the influence of alcohol was concerning. “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 to pull over when they want to text,” Minnaar said.

The importance of obeying the rules of the road and showing consideration to fellow road users was once again emphasised. Minnaar said, “When people respect the rules of the road, they minimise the number of accidents and fatalities that we have on our roads. We, as the JMPD, cannot do this alone, hence we ask the motorists to join us to make our roads safer.”

According to Minnaar, the number of road deaths over the festive season increased by 17 per cent nationally. Across the various regions of the City of Johannesburg there was also an increase in fatalities.

He said there was a greater need for all road users to show more responsibility on the road and urged motorists to do the following:

– Always drive within the speed limit

– Only overtake when it is safe to do so

– Refrain from taking drugs and alcohol before undertaking any journeys

– Wear your seatbelt at all times

– Adjust your speed accordingly when it rains

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