Increase in drink driving incidents worry police
31 Dec 2025
Botswana Police Service North Traffic Division has sounded alarm over the increase of incidents of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.
A total of 190 cases of drivers suspected of drinking and driving were recorded by police officers from the division from December 18-29, with 36 testing above the legal alcohol limit.
Therefore, the Traffic Divisional Commander North, Assistant Commissioner of Police Modisaotsile Solomon has expressed concern about the role of alcohol in road crashes, pointing that the revised temporary liquor trading hours could be having an impact on this trend of driving under the influence of alcohol.
"We acknowledge the revised liquor trading hours are meant to allow patrons to relax responsibly, but they are not a license for reckless behaviour on the road. We urge motorists to prioritise road safety and refrain from driving under the influence,” he said.
The police data also revealed an increase in fatal crashes, with 48 accidents reported from December 18-29, resulting in four fatalities. This compares to 45 crashes and one fatality during the same period last year.
Assistant Commissioner Solomon attributed many of the crashes to over-speeding, although he noted a decrease in such cases compared to the previous year. The police have also seen an increase in serious injuries from car crashes, with 10 cases reported this year, up from seven during the same period in 2024.
To combat these trends, the police will maintain a strong presence on the roads, with all checkpoints operational to protect citizens from fatal accidents and other road crashes.
"We are ready to welcome the new year with our Operation Pabalesego, and we urge all motorists to cooperate and prioritise road safety," he said. BOPA
Source : BOPA
Author : Thamani Shabani
Location : Francistown
Event : Interview
Date : 31 Dec 2025
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