Over one thousand motorists were arrested during the festive season for driving under the influence, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) disclosed on Monday.
The motorists were apprehended while driving at excessive speed due to alcoholic influence, an act that is a major contributor to road accidents in Johannesburg and other parts of the country.
Jo’burg Police Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the drunk motorists were arrested to serve as deterrent to other road users intending to toll a similar part. He added that Johannesburg has zero tolerance for drunk driving, and urged all drivers to always exercise caution by following strict traffic regulations.
His words:
“And we firmly believe that these arrests send a clear message that drinking and driving while exceeding the speed limit will not be tolerated in Johannesburg.
“The JMPD continues to urge all motorists to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations and prioritise the safety of themselves and others while travelling on the roads.”
“The department is committed to working collaboratively with the community to ensure that the City of Johannesburg remains a city where road safety is a top priority,” adds Fihla.
The JMPD’s driving-under-the-influence operations has over the years, apprehended thousands of motorists for drunk-driving in the region. During the festive season, the roads became more dangerous to ply as the number of motorists driving under the influence surge.
The Western Cape recorded over 300% increase in drunken driving arrests, in just a week last season.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga few weeks ago, raised concerns over the surging number of drunk-driving. He said the stats were “worrying”, and urged drivers to “do what’s right” and “avoid driving under the influence of alcohol”.
Drunk-driving is a major challenge in South Africa, and has been identified as a major cause of road accidents in the country.