Fourteen Deaths on Western Cape roads

Five pedestrians, five passengers and four drivers died over the weekend on Western Cape roads.

Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2 589 vehicles in 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 147 drivers and 58 were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West. At 1,81 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over seven times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

In addition, a total of 1 563 vehicles were screened for speeding and 233 speeding offences were recorded. A total of 485 fines in the amount of R364 200 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.

Nine other arrests were also reported. Traffic officers arrested three people in connection with impoundments in Knysna, one in connection with impoundment in George, one in connection with impound in Somerset West, two for reckless and negligent driving in Oudtshoorn, one for reckless and negligent driving in Brackenfell and one in connection with false documentation. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (192 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N1 in the Worcester service area (122 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Somerset West service area (116 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 follow.

Friday, 25 December 2015

Cape Winelands/ Overberg
Bonnievale – 1 pedestrian
Franschhoek – 1 passenger

Eden
Heidelberg – 1 passenger

Cape Metropole
Mfuleni – 2 drivers and 1 pedestrian
Brackenfell – 1 driver

West Coast
Vredendal – 1 passenger

Saturday, 26 December 2015

Eden/ Central Karoo
Beaufort West – 1 passenger
Hoekwil – 1 driver

Cape Metropole
Khayelitsha -1 pedestrian
Philadelphia – 1 pedestrian

Cape Winelands/ Overberg
Worcester – 1 passenger

West Coast
Velddrif – 1 pedestrian