Johannesburg – The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has disclosed that more than 7,400 drivers were apprehended for offenses such as drunk driving, speeding, and attempted bribery.
The arrests took place between 1 December 2024 and New Year’s Day (1 January 2025).
According to a statement released on Saturday (4 January 2024), the RTMC reported that a total of 7,448 individuals were detained on South African roads during the festive season for a variety of violations, including drunk driving, speeding, and bribery attempts.
“The highest breath alcohol concentration recorded was 2.47mg/1000ml on the R61 on December 27,” noted the RTMC.
The Eastern Cape province recorded 455 arrests for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol throughout December.
“The highest speed captured was in Limpopo, where a driver was caught going 209km/h in a 120 km/h zone on December 17,” the RTMC mentioned.
“By January 1, a total of 1,157,032 vehicles had been stopped and inspected by traffic officials as a part of the festive season enforcement strategy designed to enhance safety on national roads.
“Officers issued 408,783 written charges for various traffic offenses, and 6,034 vehicles were discontinued.”
The RTMC has urged drivers to remain cautious when driving in rainy conditions.
Motorists are reminded to follow these guidelines while driving in wet weather:
- Activate headlights
- Slow down
- Increase following distance
- Refrain from using cell phones and other distractions
Additionally, the RTMC stressed the significance of vigilance, patience, and compliance with traffic rules as the festive holiday period comes to a close and travelers prepare to head home.
“Roads leading out of coastal regions and neighboring states are expected to experience heavy traffic over the weekend, and law enforcement officers will be deployed to oversee driver conduct and reduce accidents and fatalities,” the RTMC asserted.
Moreover, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has alerted motorists, pedestrians, and the general public to expect heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025).
“The anticipated continuous rainfall, along with potential hazards, underscores the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the general public,” SAWS highlighted.
