Four DUI arrests on Western Cape roads since Monday

Provincial Traffic Services arrested four motorists this week for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. Traffic officers also arrested three drivers for excessive speed – two in Beaufort West and one in Vredendal.

Since Monday, 18 April 2016, traffic officers have stopped a total of 13 691 vehicles in roadblocks across the Western Cape. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 171 motorists. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Somerset West service area. At 1.25 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is five times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Details of DUI arrests:

• Two in the Somerset West service area on 18 April.
• Two in the Mossel Bay service area on 20 April.

One vehicle was impounded in Somerset West for being unlicensed and/ or unroadworthy. The licences of 21 vehicles were suspended until they have been certified as roadworthy and owners have renewed their vehicle licences. The largest number of suspended vehicles (4) was recorded in the George service area.

A total of 70 speeding fines in the amount of R30 700 were issued. The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (183 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N1 in the Worcester service area (152 km/h in a 100 km/h zone), on the R399 in the Vredenburg service area (106 km/h in an 80 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Knysna service area (86 km/h in a 60 km/h zone). These drivers face heavy fines.

Breakdown of fines issued for various traffic violations

The Department of Transport and Public Works is encouraging road users to #BeTheChange that they want to see on Western Cape roads. They can do this by: 

• not drinking and driving,
• buckling up in the front and back at all times,
• not using a cell phone while driving,
• driving carefully and considerately, and
• always remaining within the speed limit.

Follow Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #BeTheChange.