Results of Safely Home Weekend Traffic Operations

Media Statement by Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

Nine people tragically lost their lives on provincial roads this weekend and my sincerest condolences go out to their family members and friends.

On Friday, a head-on collision on Jan Van Riebeeck Road, Paarl, claimed the lives of two men. Four people were killed in another head-on collision on Saturday between Lamberts Bay and Graaf Water. The driver seemingly lost control of the vehicle.

An 11-year-old girl lost her life on Saturday on the N7 near Clanwilliam when she was struck by the wheel of a passing truck. On the N1 near Paarl, a motorcyclist crashed into a car on Saturday and lost his life. A separate incident on the same day claimed the life of a three-month-old baby when the vehicle he was travelling in overturned due to a tyre burst on the R27 near Silverstream.

The weekend's 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the Western Cape saw a total of 2 718 vehicles stopped with 899 drivers being screened for being under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Twenty-five people were arrested for the offence. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Brackenfell area at 1.12 mg/1 000 ml.

A total of 998 speeding offences were recorded with the highest speed of 164 km/h in a 120 km/h zone. A total of 364 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

We are approaching another festive season and with increased traffic on our roads comes increased risk. Our traffic officials are acting without fear or favour against those who disregard the rules of the road, but people need to also take responsibility for safety and must choose to change the behaviour which puts lives at risk. I urge the public to report traffic violations to the 24-hour control room on 021 812 4581.