Vulnerable road users account for almost half of road deaths this week

Forensic Pathology Services data indicates 13 people were killed on Western Cape roads in the week of 7 to 13 February. Six pedestrians were among the dead, accounting for almost half of those killed (46%).

“Vulnerable roads users include pedestrians, motorcyclists, non-motorised transport users and senior citizens. They continue to bear the brunt of dangerous driving. This February, we are urging motorists to help us save lives by heeding our message to share the road. At the same time, we will continue to apply the law relentlessly to protect the public from dangerous drivers, like the 50 individuals we’ve arrested over the last seven days,” said Farrel Payne, Director: Provincial Traffic Services.

The details are as follows.

Wednesday 7 February

• 1 pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the Metro Region.

Thursday 8 February

• 1 driver was killed in the Eden/ Central Karoo Region.

Saturday 10 February

• 1 pedestrian was killed in the Metro Region.

Sunday 11 February

• 8 people were killed in various crashes:
  • 1 driver, 1 passenger and 1 pedestrian in the Metro Region.
  • 1 driver and 3 passengers in the West Coast Region.
  • 1 pedestrian in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.

Monday 12 February

• 2 people were killed:
  • 1 passenger in the West Coast Region.
  • 1 pedestrian in the Metro Region.

Safety starts with respect and respect starts with you. Please share the road. For more information see safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za and on Facebook and Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome.

Additional statistics for the week of 7 February to 13 February

Provincial Traffic Services held 29 alcohol blitz roadblocks and Random Breath Testing operations.

• A total of 7 608 drivers were screened for (being under suspicion of) driving under the influence of alcohol, and 37 were arrested.

• The highest breath alcohol reading recorded was 1,16 mg/ 1 000 ml of breath in the Swellendam service area – 4 times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/ 1 000 ml.
• A total of 2 552 fines in the amount of R3 540 450 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver violations to vehicle fitness offences.
• Provincial Traffic Services recorded 2 118 speeding offences. The highest speeds recorded were:
  • 186 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area.
  • 147 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N2 in the Swellendam service area.
  • 102 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N1 in the Worcester service area.
  • 118 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N2 in the Somerset West service area.
• Provincial Traffic Services made 13 other arrests:
  • 2 drivers were arrested for fraudulent documentation on the N1 in the Worcester service area.
  • 1 driver was arrested for false documentation on the N2 in the George service area.
  • 5 drivers were arrested for reckless and negligent driving:
    • 1 on the N1 in the Laingsburg service area;
    • 1 on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area;
    • 1 on the N2 in the Somerset West service area; and
    • 2 on the N2 in the George service area.
  • 3 motorists were arrested for excessive speed:
    • 1 for travelling at 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Beaufort West service area;
    • 1 for travelling at 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Beaufort West service area; and
    • 1 for travelling at 147 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N2 in the Swellendam service area.
  • 1 driver was arrested for goods overloading in the Vredenburg service area.
  • 1 arrest was made for possession of dagga on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area.

Traffic information enquiries
Tel: 021 946 1646
Email: goodwood.tmc@wc.weighbridge.co.za