It was a deadly weekend on Western Cape roads this past #PayDayBlues weekend with 26 road traffic fatalities reported on 30 and 31 October 2015. A total of 11 passengers, 10 pedestrians, four drivers and one motorcyclist died.
On the weekend, Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2 312 vehicles in 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 049 drivers and 33 were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West. At 1,24 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of blood, this is five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.
In addition, Provincial Traffic Services screened a total of 4 759 vehicles for speeding and 322 speeding offences were recorded. A total of 385 fines in the amount of R304 700 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.
Four other arrests were also reported on the weekend. One suspect was arrested in connection with fraudulent documentation in Mossel Bay, one in connection with false documentation in Rawsonville, and one in possession of dagga in Paarl. Traffic officers also confiscated abalone worth R4 million in Caledon.
Speeding remains a problem in the Western Cape with the highest speeds recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (167 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N1 in the Worcester service area (115 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the R27 in the Vredendal service area (121 km/h in an 80 km/h zone).
Traffic authorities are encouraging road users not to mix alcohol and road use. “Driving or walking on the roads while intoxicated is a quick way to an early grave. Use public transport if you intend drinking alcohol. Remember that we will be on the roads all night and all weekend, and you could end up in jail if you choose to get behind the wheel after drinking.”
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Winelands / Overberg |
West Coast |
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