Adding to the problem of bad driving during the festive season is the persistent wet weather conditions, according to the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP).
Talk to The Warga on Sunday, GTP spokesperson Obed Sibasa said that wet and slippery roads including potholes made the situation worse.
A level 2 warning for severe weather was issued on Friday as well as Saturday for various parts of the country.
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“We recorded 11 accidents, moderate to minor and we think this is because many motorists decided to stay home during the new year,” said Sibasa.
With the long weekend still in full swing, Sibasa said one of the biggest challenges is human behavior where people are still driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding.
“167 people were arrested on New Year’s Eve for various offenses and one of them was a drunk driver who ran over an off-duty police officer in Meadowlands, Soweto.
“Five other drivers were arrested in the Western Corridor for driving under the influence of alcohol on New Year’s Eve,” he said.
Sibasa said that with the end of the festive season approaching, traffic challenges have now migrated to the cities and suburbs where the majority of fatal accidents have occurred.
Mabaso said it is not only motorists who cause road accidents but also pedestrians.
“Our message to those who drink in public, walking or crossing the street; you will get a free ride, free accommodation, you will be arrested.
“We can’t stress enough, pedestrians have to use the overhead pedestrian bridge to cross the toll road,” Sibasa added.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said a few days ago over 3000 people were arrested since the beginning of the festive season.
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