Nine fatalities on Western Cape roads

Report on weekend provincial traffic law enforcement operations

A preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that nine road users died on the province’s roads over the weekend. This includes three passengers who tragically lost their lives early morning in a crash in the Worcester area.

Provincial traffic officers arrested 15 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on 13 and 14 January 2017. Three were arrested in the George service area; three in Mossel Bay; two in Brackenfell; two in Knysna; two in Worcester; one in Somerset West; one in Swellendam; and one in Caledon.

Provincial traffic officers also arrested two persons in Oudtshoorn, one for possession of dagga, and the other for possession of Mandrax tablets. Our officers will continue to work to curb the possession of illegal goods, root out corruption and bribery, and improve road safety.

Breath testing was performed on 1 534 drivers at 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Caledon service area. At 1,12 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over four times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Four other persons were arrested:

• One for false documentation in Knysna;
• One for false information in George;
• One for possession of stolen goods in Worcester; and
• One for false documentation in Worcester.

A total of 6 149 vehicles were screened for speeding and 675 speeding offences were recorded. Fines in the amount of R321 300 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

The highest speeds recorded were 176 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Brackenfell service area; 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Mossel Bay service area; and 109 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.

Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #BoozeFreeRoads