181 DUI arrests on Western Cape roads | Western Cape Government

News

181 DUI arrests on Western Cape roads

29 December 2016

As new year celebrations approach, the Department of Transport and Public Works is asking motorists to make responsible decisions and not drive under the influence (DUI).

Pedestrians, who are often extremely drunk and walking on freeways and busy roads on weekend nights, are also reminded to stay away from traffic when they are under the influence.

Since the start of this holiday season, provincial traffic officers have had their hands full with motorists driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of 181 people have spent time behind bars after being found to be over the legal limit.

The most DUI arrests were recorded in the Caledon service area (26), followed by Somerset West (23), Mossel Bay (22) and George (21). This despite repeated warnings by traffic authorities that alcohol and roads don’t mix.

Breakdown of DUI arrests:

TRAFFIC CENTRE

NUMBER OF DUI ARRESTS SINCE 1 DECEMBER 2016

Somerset West

23

Vredenburg

4

Vredendal

6

Worcester

19

Swellendam

15

Mossel Bay

22

Oudtshoorn

4

Beaufort West

3

Caledon

26

Knysna

15

George

21

Brackenfell

18

Laingsburg

5

 

Our traffic officers have shown that they will not hesitate to test drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, and arrest them if necessary. Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users. If you’re drinking, don’t drive or walk. Help us create booze-free roads. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.

All road users carry a responsibility for road safety, and good driving and pedestrian habits are essential. Our commitment is to help road users travel safely to their destinations and back home during the busy period in December and January.

Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #BoozeFreeRoads

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za