Long weekend claims 11 lives on Western Cape roads

Report on weekend provincial traffic law enforcement operations

A preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that 11 road users died on the province’s roads over the weekend. This total includes three passengers who died in a head-on collision near Noordhoek. The number of pedestrian deaths is alarming, with four incidents reported on various highways.

The Department of Transport and Public Works is highly appreciative of the outstanding acts of courage that our traffic officers displayed over the weekend. Their efforts saw two persons arrested in Worcester, one for possession of drugs, and the other for possession of abalone. These events are a notable success in the Western Cape Government’s fight against abalone poaching and illegal drugs.

In another incident, a road user was arrested after attempting to bribe a traffic officer. Our officers will continue to work to curb the possession of illegal goods, root out corruption and bribery, and improve road safety. These officers have shown real commitment in their work.

The number of people arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol over the new year weekend stands at 12, compared to 30 a year ago. Three were arrested in the Caledon service area; three in Brackenfell; two in Knysna; two in George; one in Somerset West; and one in Vredendal.

Breath testing was performed on 3 361 drivers at 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Knysna service area. At 1,24 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over five times over the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Five other persons were arrested: one for false documentation in George; one for possession of 21 bags of abalone in Worcester; one for 22 grams of khat in Worcester; one for bribery in Worcester; and one for possession of a stolen vehicle in George.

A total of 3 905 vehicles were screened for speeding and 682 speeding offences were recorded. Fines in the amount of R410 650 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

The highest speeds recorded were 182 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Brackenfell service area; 146 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Brackenfell service area; and 103 km/h in an 80 km/h zone in the Somerset West service area.

Details of road fatalities

Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. The best way to do this is to stay at home, stay at friends, or leave your car at home if you do go out. Don’t even give yourself the option of driving under the influence.

Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives over the weekend.

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