Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has issued an emphatic Easter road safety appeal, warning South African motorists of the deadly consequences of reckless and drunk driving as the country heads into the Easter long weekend — statistically one of the most dangerous periods on the country's roads each year.
Minister Creecy did not mince her words, expressing deep frustration at the limitations of the current legislative framework governing penalties for drunk driving. She made clear that she wished the law allowed for significantly harsher consequences for those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol, indicating that legislative reform in this area remains a priority for the Department of Transport.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation has deployed additional law enforcement resources across major arterial routes and holiday corridors for the Easter weekend. Roadblocks and sobriety testing checkpoints have been established at key interchanges in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape.
Historical data consistently shows that the Easter weekend produces among the highest road fatality numbers of any holiday period in the South African calendar, with alcohol, speeding, overloading, and driver fatigue identified as the primary contributing factors.
Minister Creecy also appealed to taxi operators and long-distance bus companies to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and their drivers adequately rested before undertaking holiday journeys. She reminded the public that the national number for reporting reckless driving is 0861 400 800.
