Results of Safely Home Weekend Traffic Operations

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

Integrated Safely Home alcohol blitz roadblocks set up across the Western Cape this weekend saw a total of 4 175 vehicles stopped and 1 682 drivers screened for being under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Approximatley 25 drivers were arrested for the offence.

The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Caledon at 1.44 mg/1 000 ml, which is six times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/1 000 ml.

A total of 1 844 speeding offences were recorded and a total of 369 fines were issued.

The highest speed was recorded on the N1 near Paarl at 193 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.

Sadly, this weekend was also marked by three fatalities as a result of three separate incidents. My condolences go out to the families in this difficult time.

On Friday, a driver was killed when he lost control of his vehicle on the N2 near Macassar and a pedestrian lost his life on the N2 near Knysna after being knocked down by a vehicle.

On Saturday, a five-year-old girl lost her life when she was knocked down by a vehicle on the shoulder of the road on the N1 near Klapmuts.

Whilst our law enforcement officers will continue to act without fear or favour against irresponsible and reckless drivers, we need to build a culture of responsibility where everyone feels responsible for safety and pursues it on a daily basis.

People need to realise that every road user's actions can either save or claim a life.