Pedestrian fatalities increase during the Easter weekend
During the Easter weekend, these agencies also noted with concern the growing number of road fatalities involving pedestrians.
According to the Gauteng Law Enforcement Agencies, drinking and driving has yet again contributed significantly to the rise in road fatalities during the Easter weekend, as 250 drivers were arrested in Gauteng with the majority of the perpetrators located in Johannesburg,
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The Gauteng Law Enforcement Agencies said that preliminary information shows that 70 per cent of the fatalities involve pedestrians, especially in municipal areas. Despite the heightened law enforcement activities which are carried out across the province, Gauteng roads continue to experience a high number of fatal accidents in which pedestrians lose their lives. Most of the fatalities are compounded by pedestrians walking the streets late at night, drinking, especially at places of entertainment such as shebeens and taverns.
Gauteng Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, said, “Despite all efforts to ensure a reduction in the number of road accidents, the province recorded an alarming 70 per cent increase in pedestrian fatalities this Easter weekend.
We remain concerned as law enforcement authorities, as one death is one too many.”
She continued her statement by saying,” I commend the role played by Law Enforcement Agencies as well as all transport stakeholders who continued to work tirelessly throughout this busy period to ensure compliance with the rules of the road. I urge them to continue with resilient implementation of the law enforcement across the clock.”
In conclusion she said, “I would like to extend condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to all those who are receiving medical treatment due to injuries sustained in various crashes this Easter season.”
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