Eighteen Die on Western Cape Roads this Weekend

On 26 and 27 September, 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks were held across the Western Cape. A total of 2 027 vehicles were stopped as part of Provincial Traffic Services safety campaign.

A total of 1 129 drivers were screened for (being under suspicion of) driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in 38 arrests.

The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West at 1.16 mg/1 000 ml, which was four times the legal limit of 0.24 mg/1 000 ml.

A total of 14 110 vehicles were screened for speeding of which 1 028 speeding offences were recorded.

Two hundred and seventeen (217) fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness to the amount of R256 350.

The highest speeds that were recorded:

• 174 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area.
• 86 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on the N7 in the Vredendal service area.
• 96 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N2 in the Somerset West service area.

Other Arrests: Two

• 2 x Dagga Arrests (Knysna)

This weekend 18 fatalities were reported:

Greater Cape Metropolitan:

• Mitchells Plain – 1 x Driver
• Plattekloof/Milnerton – 1 x Driver and 1 x Passenger
• Somerset West – 1 x Passenger
• Symphony – 1 x Passenger
• Stikland – 1 x Motorcyclist
• Plumstead – 1 x Motorcyclist and 1 x Pedestrian
• Lucullus/Kraaifontein – 1 x Pedestrian

Winelands/Overberg:

• Bonnievale – 1 x Passenger
• Worcester – 1 x Pedestrian

Eden/Central Karoo:

• Aberdeen Road/Beaufort West – 4 x Passengers
• George – 1 x Driver and 2 x Passengers