Five fatalities on Western Cape roads | Western Cape Government

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Five fatalities on Western Cape roads

19 June 2017

A driver who was seven times over the legal limit was one of 18 motorists arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol over the weekend. Five fatalities were reported on the province’s roads, according to a preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services.

  • Five motorists were arrested in the Somerset West service area for driving under the influence, 
  • four in George, 
  • three in Worcester, 
  • two in Brackenfell, 
  • two in Knysna, 
  • one in Swellendam, and
  • one in Mossel Bay.

Breath testing was performed on 1 231 drivers at 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Swellendam service area. At 1,86 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over seven times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 107 speeding offences were recorded and 204 fines in the amount of R207 700 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

Highest speeds

  • 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Beaufort West service area, and
  • 122 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Swellendam service area.

The Department of Transport and Public Works commends traffic officers for arresting all drivers who were suspected of driving under the influence. They have done this in the interest of making roads safer for everybody. Drinking and driving is a choice that comes with consequences. Over time we expect fewer people to take the risk of driving under the influence, for their own safety and the safety of others.

Details of road fatalities

Date Location of crash Fatalities
Friday, 16 June 2017 Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville 1 motorcyclist
Saturday, 17June 2017 N7 Swartlands 1 driver 
Saturday, 17June 2017 Main Rd, Gordons Bay 1 pedestrian
Sunday, 18 June 2017 N2 Somerset West 1 pedestrian
Sunday, 18 June 2017 R44 Somerset West 1 pedestrian

 

Shorter, darker days, fog and rain during the Western Cape winter months hamper visibility and can increase the risk of a road traffic crash. Don't miss out on your future because you didn't see another road user, or weren't seen yourself. Travel more slowly when visibility is poor and the roads are wet. Wear visible clothing when you walk next to a road. If you are not seen on the road, you may not see your future. 

Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #SeeAndBeSeen.

Media Enquiries: 

Kenny Africa
Provincial Traffic Chief
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 5114/ 7823
Cell: 084 562 4574
Email: Kenneth.Africa@westerncape.gov.za

Jacques Mostert
Provincial Traffic Spokesperson
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 7897
Cell: 082 820 0621
Email: Jacques.Mostert2@westerncape.gov.za