Mpumalanga roads claim over 95 lives amid festive season crackdown

Over 95 people have lost their lives in various road crashes across Mpumalanga, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement ahead of the busy festive season.

A preliminary report indicates that dangerous overtaking, loss of vehicle control, and overturning were the leading causes of these fatalities.

In just three weeks, traffic officers issued nearly 18,000 fines to motorists, targeting common offences such as dangerous overtaking, excessive speeding, failure to wear seat belts, worn-out tyres, and faulty lights.

Approximately 114,000 vehicles were stopped and checked during various operations across the province, while 35,410 vehicles were screened at weighbridges.

As a result, around 400 vehicles were discontinued, and 580 were impounded for failing to meet roadworthy standards.

In addition, about 110 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving, with most appearing in magistrates’ courts.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, commended the efforts of traffic law enforcement officers and encouraged them to maintain their focus on road safety.

He also appealed to motorists to exercise caution and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.

“Every driver must play their part to prevent avoidable crashes. Most of the collisions that we record could have been prevented had greater care been taken.

''Motorists must plan their trips in such a way that they accommodate additional travel time due to weather and roadworks,” Macie said.

Macie urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic rules and take personal responsibility to prevent further tragedies on the province’s roads.

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