LIMPOPO Transport and Community Safety MEC Florence Radzilani has declared war against motorists who will drive under the influence of alcohol this festive season.
This is because alcohol consumption counts amongst the top five contributing factors to most deaths on Limpopo roads.
MEC Radzilani spoke during the province's festive season launch at Ga-Mamaila village outside Modjadjiskloof on Thursday, 30 November.
She said they are going to be hard on those who will be driving under the influence of alcohol because of its effect on drivers’ capability to make certain judgements.
“Most drivers tend to overtake dangerously, drive over the speed limit and ignore other road rules when under the influence of alcohol. It's for this reason that a great part of our festive season operations will place additional attention on alcohol consumption."
Radzilani said they took the launch to the Mopani district as they had noticed an upward pattern of road fatalities in that part of the province.
“The district counts among the busiest regions because a bigger part of the R36, R40, R81, R578 and R71 roads are found here,” she said.
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Radzilani said they have lost a total of 199 lives in the district during the 2022/23 financial year.
“It is our prayer that this number should be reduced in this financial year."
She said another contributing factor to the high volumes of accidents on the roads is the presence of stray domestic animals that are supposed to be housed in their kraals during the night.
“Owners are neglecting their domestic animals. We're making this humble appeal to owners to ensure that they look after their animals and keep them off our roads because our statistics indicate that there are more accidents happening in this district, and mostly affecting pedestrians."
Radzilani also urged motorists not to overload their vehicles, exercise patience and restraint on the road, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
She has also warned residents to avoid carrying huge amounts of cash and not leave their homes unattended during this festive period.
