Five deaths on Western Cape roads

Three drivers, 1 pedestrian and 1 cyclist died over the weekend on Western Cape roads.

Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2 853 vehicles in 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1 135 drivers and 30 were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West. At 1,03 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over four times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

In addition, a total of 3 317 vehicles were screened for speeding and 410 speeding offences were recorded. A total of 331 fines in the amount of R370 650 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.

Seven other arrests were also reported – two in connection with impoundments in Mossel Bay, one in connection with impoundment in George, two drunken pedestrians in Vredendal, one in connection with false documentation in Brackenfell and one for excessive speed in Laingsburg. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Laingsburg service area (169 km/h in a 120 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Caledon service area (100 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, 1 January 2016

Cape Metropole
Mitchells Plain – 1 pedestrian
Tokai – 1 driver

Saturday, 2 January 2016

Overberg
Bot River – 1 driver

Eden/ Central Karoo
Calitzdorp – 1 cyclist
Riversdale – 1 driver