Ten people die on Western Cape roads

Ten people lost their lives over the weekend, according to a preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services.

A total of 28 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol over the weekend.

• Six motorists were arrested in the Worcester service area, 
• five in Mossel Bay, 
• five in Swellendam, 
• three in Vredendal, 
• three in Somerset West, 
• two in Brackenfell, 
• two in George, 
• one in Knysna, and
• one in Caledon.

In addition, traffic officers made 16 arrests:

• Five for possession of dagga, tik and Mandrax tablets at Moorreesburg weighbridge,
• Two for reckless and negligent driving in Worcester,
• One for reckless and negligent driving in Brackenfell,
• One for false documentation in Swellendam,
• One for false documentation in Worcester,
• One for alleged bribery in Swellendam,
• One for allegedly assaulting a traffic officer in Somerset West,
• Two for excessive speed in Vredenburg,
• One for excessive speed in Beaufort West, and
• One for excessive speed in Laingsburg.

Breath testing was performed on 2 332 drivers at 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Vredendal service area. At 1,24 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 119 speeding offences were recorded and 255 fines in the amount of R387 400 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

Highest speeds

• 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Beaufort West service area, and
• 137 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Laingsburg service area.

There were three head-on collisions in which people lost their lives. These tragic deaths again remind us of the ever-present dangers on our roads. Reckless, unsafe overtaking could be fatal, with serious consequences for those involved in these crashes and for their loved ones. These roads also had to be closed until crash scenes had been cleared, which caused serious traffic delays and congestion.

Details of road fatalities

Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users. If you’re drinking, don’t drive or walk. Help us create booze-free roads. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.

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