Transport Dept concerned about drunk driving ahead of festive season! As South Africans gear up for the festive season, the Department of Transport has reiterated its annual warning against drinking and driving.
This comes amid rising concerns over alcohol-related road accidents, which claim numerous lives every year, particularly during the holiday period.
Alcohol-Related Accidents: A Persistent Problem
The festive season often sees a spike in road fatalities, with alcohol consumption being a major contributing factor. Both motorists and pedestrians are at risk, as the reckless behavior resulting from alcohol abuse continues to devastate families and communities.
Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa underscored the gravity of the issue during a briefing in Tshwane on Sunday.
“What do remain fundamentally concerned about is the high consumption of alcohol, which results in drinking and driving and drinking and walking. Forty-five percent of our fatalities on the roads are pedestrians,” said Hlengwa.
South Africa’s troubling ranking as the fifth-highest consumer of alcohol globally, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, further compounds the issue.
Road Safety Campaign Delayed to Align with Peak Travel Season
The launch of the 2024/25 road safety campaign, which was initially set for November, has been postponed to December 5. The department explained that this rescheduling aligns with the peak travel season when roads are busiest.
The campaign aims to promote responsible behavior on the roads, focusing on reducing incidents of drunk driving and walking. Authorities hope that heightened awareness and enforcement will lead to a significant decline in festive season road fatalities.
Increased Law Enforcement on the Roads
In an effort to tackle the problem head-on, Deputy Minister Hlengwa announced plans to deploy more law enforcement officers during the festive period.
“There will be more boots on the ground to curb fatalities,” he said.
The additional officers will focus on monitoring high-risk areas, conducting breathalyzer tests, and ensuring compliance with traffic laws. The presence of visible law enforcement is expected to deter potential offenders and encourage responsible behavior among motorists and pedestrians alike.
Pedestrians and Drunk Walking: An Overlooked Danger
While drunk driving often dominates public discourse, the issue of drunk walking has emerged as a significant concern. Pedestrians account for 45% of road fatalities in South Africa, with alcohol consumption frequently cited as a contributing factor.
Walking under the influence impairs judgment and increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly on poorly lit or high-traffic roads. The Transport Department’s campaign seeks to address this overlooked danger, urging pedestrians to exercise caution and avoid walking while intoxicated.
The Socioeconomic Impact of Road Fatalities
Beyond the immediate tragedy of loss, road fatalities have far-reaching socioeconomic consequences. Families lose breadwinners, healthcare systems bear the burden of treating accident victims, and the economy suffers from the loss of productivity.
The festive season’s surge in accidents places additional strain on emergency services and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the need for preventative measures.
Public Responsibility: A National Call to Action
While the government and law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in promoting road safety, the public also bears responsibility. Deputy Minister Hlengwa emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the issue.
“It must sit as a national indictment to all of us that South Africa is number five in terms of the World Health Organization report around alcohol,” he said.
The department has called on all South Africans to take road safety seriously by making responsible choices, such as designating sober drivers, using ride-hailing services, or avoiding the roads if intoxicated.
Looking Ahead: A Safer Festive Season
With the festive season fast approaching, the Transport Department’s efforts aim to prevent unnecessary tragedies on the roads.
The focus on tackling drunk driving and walking, coupled with increased law enforcement, sends a clear message: road safety is a shared responsibility.
Through heightened awareness, stricter enforcement, and public cooperation, South Africa can hope for a safer and more joyous holiday season for all.