#PayDayBlues Weekend Claims Twenty Lives

Nine pedestrians, six drivers and five passengers were among the road traffic fatalities reported on Western Cape roads during #PayDayBlues weekend.

Four people were also arrested for various traffic violations.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2 016 vehicles in 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 168 drivers and 31 were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West.

At 1.25 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of blood, this is five times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 1 006 vehicles were screened for speeding and 181 speeding offences were recorded. A total of 235 fines in the amount of R277 650 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.

Highest Speeds Recorded

• On the N1 in the Laingsburg service area (173 km/h in a 120 km/h zone).
• On the N2 in the George service area (139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone).
• On the N2 in the Swellendam service area (121 km/h in a 80 km/h zone).

Four Other Arrests Reported

• One for excessive speeding in Swellendam.
• Two in connection with illegal documentation.
• One drunken pedestrian in Vredendal.

Suspects are expected to appear in court soon on these charges.

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.

If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.

Details of the road fatalities over the weekend follow.

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