Mpuma records fewer road accidents

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

"The reduction of road crashes and fatalities...during December last year was caused by increasing law enforcement visibility," he said. Deaths were down 16,5% and accidents were down 4,06%. There was, however, an increase of 12,14 % in serious injuries when 428 people were seriously injured compared to 376 in December 2012. Slight injuries went down from 660 in December 2012 to 649 in December 2013.

Mabuza said the problematic roads in the province remain the N4, R40, N11, R573, R33, D797, N3 and N12.

He said most deaths and accidents occurred in the Nkangala region on the Highveld where 47 people were killed in 212 crashes.

This was followed by the Ehlanzeni region in the Lowveld, which recorded 203 crashes in which 35 people died.

The Gert Sibande region in the southern Highveld recorded 154 accidents in which 27 people died. Department MEC Vusi Shongwe said the figures remain too high and that road users need to prioritise road safety at all times.

"Tough measures should be taken against those who violate traffic regulations in order to deter future transgressors," said Shongwe.

He said motorists need to take driving seriously and ensure that they are extremely vigilant at all times while they are on the road. "We need to reduce crashes and save lives. We must play our part in making our roads safer as most accidents are attributable to human error".

Meanwhile, between December 1 and 31, Mpumalanga traffic authorities stopped 202,122 vehicles which included 20,163 minibus taxis, 3,764 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), 44,610 bakkies, 5,447 sedans and 2,435 buses among others.

The operations led to 1,518 people being served with written notices for dangerous overtaking while 14,075 motorists were fined for speeding. A further 3,193 fines were issued for faulty tyres while 2,132 cases of motorists driving without safety belts were also reported.

More than 1,000 vehicles had faulty lights and 1,182 vehicles were discontinued [sic] as they were deemed dangerous to be on the road while 1,757 vehicles were impounded.

Only 102 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, overloading, driving without valid licenses and producing false documentation among others