Sixteen killed on Western Cape roads this weekend

Eight pedestrians, 5 passengers and 3 drivers died over the weekend on Western Cape roads.

Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2 425 vehicles in 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 427 drivers and eight were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Brackenfell. At 0.86 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over three times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

In addition, a total of 1 657 vehicles were screened for speeding and 156 speeding offences were recorded. A total of 309 fines in the amount of R524 750 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.

A total of 14 other arrests were also reported:

• Four in connection with impoundments in Brackenfell.
• Three in connection with impoundments in George.
• Two in connection with impoundments in Somerset West.
• Two in connection with fraudulent documentation in Brackenfell.
• One in connection with fraudulent documentation in Worcester.
• Two drunken pedestrians in Vredendal.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (165 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), in the N2 in the Swellendam service area (141 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Somerset West service area (95 km/h in an 80 km/h zone).

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:

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