Twelve Killed on Western Cape Roads

While the annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims took place in Khayelitsha yesterday, reckless road user behaviour continued to contribute to avoidable road traffic injuries and fatalities on Western Cape roads.

This weekend alone, 12 road users lost their lives.  

Four pedestrians, four drivers, three passengers and one cyclist died in crashes.

Eight of the 12 fatalities were recorded in the Cape Metropole. A driver was caught speeding at 180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 highway in the Brackenfell service area.

This driver will appear in court soon and faces a heavy fine.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2 410 vehicles in 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 636 drivers and 36 were arrested.

The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West. At 1.04 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of blood, this is four times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 2 674 vehicles were screened for speeding and 261 speeding offences were recorded.

Highest Speeds

The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (180 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), and on the N2 in the Swellendam service area (131 km/h in a 100 km/h zone).

A total of 385 fines in the amount of R327 550 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.

No other arrests were reported over the weekend.

We would like to thank road users for obeying the road traffic rules and laws.

With only weeks left before the December holiday break, the good news is that each and every one of us can make a difference through the way we behave:

• Do not exceed the speed limit, as it significantly increases the risk of a road crash.
• Never use a cell phone while driving to receive a call or respond to a text message.
• Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Whether you are driving, walking, or riding a motorbike or bicycle, even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to make decisions, operate a vehicle, or walk safely near traffic.