Drunk and Reckless Driving Endangers Innocent Motorists: 48 Arrested in KZN
Over the weekend, the Road Traffic Inspectorate arrested 48 motorists in KwaMashu and Durban for drunk driving and traffic violations.
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The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) made significant headway in improving road safety over the weekend, with 48 motorists arrested across KwaZulu-Natal for driving under the influence and other traffic violations.
This crackdown was part of the Department of Transport’s Nenzani La Ezweni (“What Are You Doing”) operations, aimed at reducing the prevalence of drinking and driving and promoting adherence to traffic regulations, particularly over weekends.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, lauded the concerted efforts of the RTI and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in enforcing laws designed to protect road users.
“We need to highlight the urgent necessity for improved road safety measures. These operations are vital in curbing reckless behaviour that endangers lives,” said Duma.
Among the 35 motorists arrested for drunk driving in Newcastle was a priest, who reportedly implored the RTI team not to “commit a sin” during his arrest.
Other individuals apprehended included a police officer, a teacher, a paramedic, two taxi drivers, a bus driver, a commercial underwriter, an engineer, a security guard, and a community representative.
The diversity of those arrested underscores the pervasive issue of impaired driving, which transcends professional boundaries.
John Govender, a Durban resident, expressed his support for the RTI’s initiatives, noting an alarming trend of reckless driving among night-time revelers returning from Umhlanga.
“I drive to Durban every morning around 4 or 5 am, and we encounter these individuals on the road. They have a total disregard for other people,” Govender said.
“Someone could accidentally hit you and cause serious harm, all because someone decided not to sleep but to drink all night and disrupt morning travel to work,” he added.
The Department of Transport will continue its weekend operations in collaboration with the RTI and SAPS to improve road safety on Durban’s roads.
DAILY NEWS