Two fatalities on Western Cape roads

Report on weekend provincial traffic law enforcement operations

A preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that two road users died on the province’s roads over the weekend.

Provincial traffic officers arrested 18 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on 2 and 3 December 2016. Seven were arrested in the Somerset West service area; two in Brackenfell; two in Swellendam; two in Knysna; two in Caledon; two in Mossel Bay; and one in Vredendal.

Breath testing was performed on 1 766 drivers at 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Swellendam service area. At 1,45 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over six times over the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of four other arrests were made: two for reckless and negligent driving in Vredendal and Worcester respectively; one for possession of a stolen vehicle in George; and one for false documentation in Beaufort West.

A total of 4 751 vehicles were screened for speeding and 412 speeding offences were recorded. Fines in the amount of R277 200 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

The highest speeds recorded were 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Brackenfell service area; 131 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Swellendam service area; and 105 km in an 80 km/h zone in the Knysna service area.

Details of road fatalities

Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users. By taking the decision not to drink and drive, and sharing your decision with your family and friends, you can influence the behaviour of others in a positive way.

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