RTMC is on high alert for a potential surge in drunk driving incidents as we approach the long weekends due to the Freedom Day and Workers' Day public holidays.
Image: Meta AI
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has sounded the alarm over a potential surge in drunk driving incidents as South Africa prepares for two consecutive long weekends.
With Freedom Day on Monday, April 27, and Workers' Day on Friday, May 1, authorities are bracing for heavy traffic volumes and reckless road behaviour, exacerbated by the fact that the holidays coincide with many citizens' monthly paydays.
The National Traffic Police (NTP) confirmed that a massive multi-agency operation is underway. Roadblocks and patrols will be intensified across all major arterial routes, involving provincial authorities, Metro police, and municipal law enforcement.
"The RTMC is extremely worried about reckless behaviour on the roads," the agency stated. "The road safety agency calls upon motorists to prioritise safety to ensure the country eliminates avoidable crashes that claim the lives of innocent victims."
Data released by the RTMC highlights a troubling trend among younger motorists. Drivers between the ages of 20 and 39 are statistically more likely to drive under the influence, contributing to a significant health and economic burden on the country. The agency noted that the carnage on South African roads is largely driven by human behaviour and negative attitudes, alongside vehicle and environmental factors.
Authorities reminded motorists that a drunk driving conviction is not just a legal hurdle—it is a life-altering event. Beyond the threat of imprisonment or heavy fines, a conviction:
The RTMC’s message to the public is clear: the responsibility for road safety rests with each individual. "Drinking and driving is a criminal offence," the agency warned, urging South Africans to adopt the mantra #ItBeginsWithYou.
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY