Minister Mbombo Joins Alcohol Blitz Roadblock

On Friday, 30 October 2015, provincial Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo joined Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement and the South African Police Service (SAPS) at their #PayDayBlues weekend alcohol blitz roadblock on the N1 highway near Paarl.

Hundreds of motorists were stopped by traffic officers, who performed various driver and vehicle checks as well as alcohol breath tests on the night. 

Minister Mbombo spoke with several motorists about the importance of not drinking and driving.

“Injuries are one of the biggest contributors to South Africa’s burden of disease. Any use of alcohol and drugs impairs the ability to safely use roads,” said Dr Mbombo.

The Minister commended the efforts of traffic law enforcement officers and other enforcement agencies for their commitment to keeping our roads safe and to reducing the risk of road traffic crashes.

“We offer our sincere thanks to all our men and women who spend their weekends on the roads saving lives, and to motorists for their cooperation,” she said.

Alcohol is a factor in at least 50% of fatal road crashes, according to studies by the Medical Research Council. The cost of alcohol-related traffic injuries is estimated to be in excess of R10 billion per annum in the Western Cape alone. Our collective goal is to reduce alcohol-related injuries and deaths on the province’s roads.

Between January and October 2015, Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement performed a total of 982 alcohol blitz road blocks over weekends, stopped around 98 000 vehicles, and carried out alcohol breath tests on about 60 000 motorists.  

Government cannot tackle road carnage on its own. Alcohol and roads don’t mix. Every road user carries a responsibility to make our roads safer and alcohol-free. By working together with our safety law enforcement partners and people of the province, we can help to bring about a reduction in road deaths and injuries. All road users are asked to exercise caution, take all basic safety measures and set an example of responsible behaviour at all times.

Brackenfell Traffic Chief Nolubabalo Sobukwa said it was encouraging to have Dr Mbombo at the roadblock.

“We enjoy good relations with her Department, and we look forward to having her at future roadblocks. With the busy season ahead, it is important to work together with our partners to make our roads safer ,” said Sobukwa.

Emergency numbers:

•         Dial 021 480 7700 for the City of Cape Town-operated helpline.
•         Dial 112 from your cell phone.
•         SAPS – 10111.

Follow Safely Home on Twitter under the hash-tag: #PayDayBlues