Fifteen people were killed this week on Western Cape roads

Forensic Pathology Services data indicates 15 people were killed between 10 and 17 April on Western Cape roads. Ten of the fatalities were pedestrians (66%), and three were passengers.

“As we head into winter, it gets light later, and dark earlier. Visibility is further reduced in wet and foggy weather. It takes longer to stop a vehicle or change direction when the roads are wet”, said Farrel Payne, Director: Provincial Traffic Services.

“The high number of pedestrian fatalities this week highlights how important it is for pedestrians to wear reflective clothing anytime they are near roads and not to walk under the influence of alcohol. Motorists should be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times. It is a good idea to switch on your headlights at all times, but especially when conditions are wet or overcast. Pedestrians can be unpredictable, particularly children, and bad weather can affect their ability to see you or judge how far away you are. Play it safe for everyone, and slow down any time you see a person near the road”, he added

Details of this week’s road deaths

Wednesday 11 April

• 2 passengers were killed in the Eden/ Central Karoo Region.

Thursday 12 April

• 1 pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the Metro Region.

Friday 13 April

• 2 pedestrians were knocked down and killed in the Metro Region.

Sunday 15 April

• 1 driver was killed in the Metro Region.
• 1 motorcyclist was killed in the Metro Region.
• 1 passenger was killed in the Metro Region.
• 2 pedestrians were knocked down and killed in the Metro Region.

Monday 16 April

• 2 pedestrians were knocked down and killed in the Metro Region.

Tuesday 17 April

• 3 pedestrians were knocked down and killed – 2 in the Metro Region, and 1 in the West Coast Region.

Key statistics for the week of 10 to 17 April

• Provincial Traffic Services held 31 alcohol blitz roadblocks and Random Breath Testing operations.
• A total of 8 081 drivers were screened for (being under suspicion of) driving under the influence of alcohol, and 41 were arrested.
• The highest breath alcohol reading recorded was 1,53 mg/ 1 000 ml of breath in the Somerset West service area – over 6 times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.
• A total of 2 889 fines in the amount of R4 106 700 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver violations to vehicle fitness offences.
• Provincial Traffic Services recorded 1 802 speeding offences. The highest speeds recorded were:
  • 198 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area.
  • 148 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N2 in the Swellendam service area.
  • 112 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N1 in the Laingsburg service area.
  • 116 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on the N1 in the Worcester service area.
  • 89 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N2 in the Knysna service area.
• Provincial Traffic Services made 22 other arrests:
  • 7 drivers were arrested for excessive speeding – 4 on the N1 in the Beaufort West service area; 1 in the George service area; 1 in the Swellendam service area, and 1 in the Laingsburg service area.
  • 3 drivers were arrested for reckless and negligent driving – in George, Laingsburg and Caledon service areas.
  • 1 arrest for illegal possession of crayfish in the Caledon service area.
  • 1 passenger was arrested for crimen injuria and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty in the Mossel Bay service area.
  • 4 drivers were arrested for false documentation – 3 in the Vredenburg service area, and 1 in Worcester.
  • 3 pedestrians were arrested for being under the influence of alcohol in the Vredendal service area.
  • 1 arrest was made for possession of a stolen vehicle in the Beaufort West service area.
  • 1 arrest was made for possession of dagga in the Laingsburg service area.
  • 1 driver was arrested for bribery in the Caledon service area.

It’s up to you to make the difference. #BeTheChange you want to see on our roads. For more information see safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za and on Facebook and Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome.