Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul has advised residents to enjoy their festive celebrations responsibly and to observe the rules of the road.
LAW ENFORCEMENT officers will be visible on the Northern Cape’s roads over the festive season with a view to reducing fatalities, accidents and incidents of crime over the festive season.
Premier Zamani Saul launched the festive season safety plan on Monday to crack down on crime over the Christmas holidays, when incidents typically increase.
Saul noted that fatal crashes were mainly caused by human factors such as driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, cellphone use while driving, failure to wear seatbelts, dangerous and negligent over-taking, unroadworthy vehicles, driver fatigue, pedestrian negligence, overloading of vehicles and jaywalking.
“It is concerning that fatalities commonly occur among young people. We need to find ways of promoting and inspiring higher levels of road responsibility and inculcate a culture of responsibility,” said Saul.
He stated that there had been a marginal decrease in the number of fatal crashes and fatalities since last year.
“However, our aim is to move closer towards a crash-free season.”
Saul said that accidents were more likely to occur on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, between 4pm and 2am.
“Vehicles commonly involved in accidents are light delivery vehicles and minibus taxis, where tyre bursts, failed brakes and passenger overloading are often to blame.”
He added that the SAPS would prioritise gender-based violence, money-related crimes, border security operations and enforce firearm control as well as adherence to liquor regulations over the festive season.
Saul advised residents to enjoy the festive celebrations responsibly, within reasonable limits and to observe the rules of the road.
