Three fatalities on Western Cape roads

Report on weekend provincial traffic law enforcement operations

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

Provincial traffic officers arrested 21 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on 11 and 12 November 2016. Six were arrested in the Caledon service area; five in Brackenfell; four in George; three in Worcester; two in Mossel Bay; and one in Beaufort West.

Breath testing was performed on 2 051 drivers at 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Swellendam service area. At 1,15 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over four times over the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Six other arrests were made: four pedestrians for being under the influence of alcohol in Vredendal; one driver for contravening the Liquor Act in Vredendal; and one driver for crimen injuria in Caledon.

A total of 2 265 vehicles were screened for speeding and 176 speeding offences were recorded. Fines in the amount of R427 950 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

The highest speeds recorded were 176 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Brackenfell service area; and 123 km in an 80 km/h zone in the Vredendal service area.

Details of 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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