.jpg)
Traffic authorities have arrested more than 500 drunk drivers nationally over the weekend in a drive intended to reduce the number road crashes and fatalities in this festive season period.
The highest number of arrests were in Gauteng, followed by North West and the Eastern Cape from Friday to Sunday.
The National Traffic Police also contributed immensely by arresting a total of 104 drivers.
The provincial breakdown of the arrests are as follows:
Gauteng - 138
North West - 95
Limpopo- 71
Eastern Cape - 69
Western Cape - 61
KwaZulu Natal - 21
No arrests were made in Free State, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.
Drunk driving operations will be intensified in coming days especially over the December 16 long weekend, Christmas and Family as well as the New Year’s Day holidays. These days are generally associated with high alcohol consumption when people are having with family and friends. Unfortunately it leads to an increase in road crashes which claim many lives.
The RTMC urges motorists to make a pledge that they will reduce drunk driving this year and help save lives on the roads.
High alcohol consumption is also suspected to a key factor behind the high pedestrian collisions in the country.
Pedestrians are also urged to play their part by refraining from using the roads while under the influence of alcohol. They must wear bright clothes when they find themselves compelled to use the road at night.