627 drunk drivers caught

2003-12-16 19:11

Durban - A total of 627 drivers were arrested for drunk driving and 950 vehicles were suspended for being unroadworthy in KwaZulu-Natal since November 9, a provincial traffic spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Logan Maistry said motorists were charged for more than 20 000 traffic offences during 'Operation Juggernaut' from November 9 to December 14.

"For the period December 1 to December 13, a total of 104 074 vehicles were recorded heading south at the Mooi River toll plaza and 221 376 vehicles at the Marianhill toll plaza.

"During this period an average of 84% of drivers exceeded the prescribed speed of 80km per hour and an average of 15% failed to adhere to the recommended two-second following distance on the N3 at Van Reenens Pass," Maistry said.

On the N2 at Winkelspruit an average of 19% of drivers exceeded the 120km per hour speed limit and 22% did not stick to the following distance.

Maistry said 11 drivers, 13 passengers and 38 pedestrians had been killed on the provincial roads since December 1.

"The high number of drunk drivers, those who fail to wear seatbelts as well as those who use cellphones without a hands-free kit whilst driving is a cause for concern.

"The above figures indicate that many motorists still display a blatant disregard for the law and do not consider the consequences of their actions or the safety of other road users."

Recent legislative amendments allowed for the driver to be prosecuted for not ensuring that passengers fasten seatbelts.

This applies to front and rear seat passengers including children between the ages of three and 14, unless taller than 1.5m.

"Drivers should refrain from allowing children to be seated on laps or to stand on the passenger seat of the car.

"The driver is ultimately responsible for passengers and will face the consequences if they are not buckled up and kept under control."

- SAPA