Arrests related to driving under the influence of alcohol increased by a staggering 39% as law enforcement officers intensified efforts to save lives.
Image: energepic.com/pexels.com
Over the Easter long weekend, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported 934 arrests for drunk driving nationwide.
In a media release issued on Monday, RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said drunk driving remained a major concern on the roads during the period.
“Arrests related to driving under the influence of alcohol increased by a staggering 39% as law enforcement officers intensified efforts to save lives,” he said.
Zwane said the 934 arrests marked an increase of 263 compared with the same period last year.
He also noted a 31.6% rise in the number of vehicles impounded.
“A total of 1,215 vehicles were impounded, compared with 923 during the same period last year,” he said.
“This indicates that more vehicles were transporting passengers without permits or in violation of permit conditions, as operators attempted to make a quick profit.”
However, Zwane said there was a sharp decrease in unroadworthy vehicles, with discontinued vehicles declining by nearly 30%.
“A total of 688 vehicles were discontinued, compared with 979 in the same period last year,” he said.
He added that law enforcement officers would continue monitoring traffic on national and alternative routes as the long weekend drew to a close.
“Motorists are urged to cooperate with officials and comply with all rules. It is always better to arrive home later than not to arrive at all,” he said.
The Easter long weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods, with holidaymakers journeying across the country.
While some travelled to spend time with family, others headed to holiday destinations or attended religious gatherings, including pilgrimages in Limpopo.