Drunk driving arrests jump 125 percent during peak holiday travel

A record number of motorists have been arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers and for driving under the influence as festive season travel hit its peak, the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) said.

More than 2,000 vehicles an hour were leaving Gauteng towards Limpopo as holidaymakers poured onto major routes, placing intense pressure on law enforcement and road safety operations nationwide.

Traffic officers, the RTMC said, have adopted a zero-tolerance stance, resulting in unprecedented arrest figures for corruption and alcohol-related offences.

“A total of 48 motorists, the highest number ever, have been arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers while 4,106 have been arrested for drunken driving.

“Drunken driving arrests have increased by 125 percent compared to last year,” RTMC said.

Officials warned that bribery attempts will face immediate arrest, stressing that corrupt offers undermine road safety efforts and place lives at risk during high-volume festive travel across the country this season.

The RTMC said enforcement would be intensified this weekend, particularly in townships and municipal areas.

According to the entity, this is where evidence shows crash numbers typically spike over Christmas Day and the Day of Goodwill when celebrations and alcohol consumption increase.

Weather conditions are also expected to worsen risks on the roads, with the South African Weather Service forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several regions.

Motorists have been urged to slow down, increase following distances, keep headlights on and avoid crossing flooded bridges as authorities push to curb preventable deaths during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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