Police report uptick in Easter accidents

Sharon Mathala | Wednesday March 30, 2016 16:24

 

Five people died in five accidents this year, compared to five fatalities from four accidents last year.

BPS director of traffic, Katlholo Mosimanegape, said of the five fatal accidents, two of involved pedestrians, one a passenger and the rest drivers.

A total of 7,028 motorists were charged with road traffic violations, with 2,415 charged with speeding compared to 2,065 last year.

“A total of 582 drivers were tested for alcohol and 149 were tested above the required limit while 113 had traces of alcohol but were below the limit,” said the traffic boss.

Mosimanegape said police had recorded higher traffic volumes on the A1 and A3 roads over Easter, which he attributed to a significant increase in car ownership.

“Between last year’s holiday and this year’s, a lot of people bought cars and we have seen a substantial growth of the motoring public,” he said.