Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety
The integrated Safely Home operations of Provincial Traffic, Municipal Traffic and SAPS this weekend saw a total of 3 250 vehicles stopped at alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province.
A total of 1 170 drivers were screened for being under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a total of 26 arrests. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Worcester service area at 1.12 mg/1 000 ml, which is 3.6 times over the legal limit of 0.24 mg/1 000 ml.
Approximately 1 034 speeding offences were recorded and a total of 329 fines were issued.
The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area and were 197 km/h in a 120 km/h zone and 174 km/h in a 80 km/h zone respectively.
A roadblock near Vredendal also led to the arrest of a man for the possession of dagga.
On Saturday evening in two separate incidents, a female pedestrian lost her life on the N2 near Macassar and a male pedestrian lost his life on the N2 near Mew Way. On Sunday evening, a bus driver lost control of the bus he was driving about 50 km outside Laingsburg travelling towards Beaufort West. One passenger died in this incident.
As many rugby supporters are indulging on the weekend during World Cup match times, I urge all road users to be responsible and not get behind the wheel drunk or allow others to do so.
Our traffic officials are taking action against motorists not abiding by the rules of the road. It is our consistent and targeted interventions that are increasing safety on our roads, but ultimately individuals need to stop risking lives by behaving recklessly.
Jo Lennox
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 780 0242
Tel: 021 483 3873
E-mail: jlennox@pgwc.gov.za