Seven people killed on Western Cape roads this weekend

A preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that seven people died on the province’s roads over the weekend.

A total of 17 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

• Four motorists were arrested in the George service area, 
• two in Swellendam, 
• two in Somerset West, 
• one in Laingsburg, 
• six in Worcester, and
• two in Brackenfell.

In addition, traffic officers arrested one driver for possession of mandrax and dagga on the N2 Somerset West service area.

Breath testing was performed on 2 195 drivers at 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Brackenfell service area. At 1,21 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 271 speeding offences were recorded and 230 fines in the total amount of R328 800 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver to vehicle fitness violations.

Highest speeds

• 157 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the N2 George service area, 
• 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the N2 Mossel Bay service area, 
• 118 km/h in an 80km/h zone in the N2 Somerset West service area, and
• 80km/h in a 60km/h zone in the N2 Knysna service area. 

Details of the seven road fatalities

Child pedestrians are far more likely to be killed in crashes. This is because they are generally shorter than adults and are more likely to be struck in the head or chest. They are also generally more difficult to see. You can make the roads safer simply by setting a good example of safe pedestrian behaviour, at all times, wherever you are. As a driver, you can help keep pedestrians safe by never speeding, and by making a deliberate point of slowing down whenever you notice people walking.

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