BuaNews<\/a> (Tshwane)<\/p>\n29 December 2011<\/p>\n
\nPretoria \u2014 A total of 1023 people have died on the country’s road since the beginning of the festive season.<\/p>\n
The 1023 fatalities mainly came as a result of the 853 fatal crashes across the country so far.<\/p>\n
According to a report released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RMTC) in the latest horrific crash, 19 people died on Monday in the Free State when a mini-bus collided with a sedan.<\/p>\n
RTMC spokesperson Ashref Ismail said road fatalities comparisons to previous year cannot be done at this stage as all the crash reports have not been captured.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele instructed traffic police to confiscate and provisionally suspend drivers’ licences of those arrested for road traffic violations.<\/p>\n
This will affect those who will be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drug, reckless or negligent driving as well as excessive speeding.<\/p>\n
Once arrested, the license will be kept by the arresting authority pending the outcome of the case during which time the offender will not be allowed to drive a vehicle.<\/p>\n
Ismail said while seatbelts do not prevent a crash from happening, it reduces the chances of a fatality or serious injury by more than 50 percent.<\/p>\n
“Motorists are urged to ensure that all occupants are buckled up at all times, no matter the speed or length of the journey,” he said.<\/p>\n
AllAfrica – All the Time<\/p>\n
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