Twenty-One Die on Western Cape Roads this Weekend | Western Cape Government

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Twenty-One Die on Western Cape Roads this Weekend

14 December 2015

Twenty-one road users died over the weekend on Western Cape roads, including six people in a collision in Plettenberg Bay. Arrests for drunken drivers are still common despite repeated warnings by traffic authorities that alcohol and roads don’t mix.

Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 3 302 vehicles in 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 2 079 drivers and 28 were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Somerset West. At 1,16 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of blood, this is almost five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

In addition, a total of 11 271 vehicles were screened for speeding and 559 speeding offences were recorded. A total of 377 fines in the amount of R410 200 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.

Seven other arrests were also reported. Traffic officers arrested four persons for in possession of housebreaking and theft equipment in Swellendam, one in connection with impoundment in George, one in connection with false documentation in Worcester, and one for reckless and negligent driving in Somerset West. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

The highest speeds were recorded on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area (168 km/h in a 120 km/h zone), on the N2 in the Swellendam service area (123 km/h in a 100 km/h zone) and on the N2 in the Somerset West service area (107 km/h in an 80 km/h zone).

Help us to create booze-free roads. The simple fact is that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Whether you are driving, walking, or riding a motorbike or bicycle, even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to make decisions, operate a vehicle, or walk safely near traffic. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.

Details of the road fatalities over the weekend follow.

Friday, 11 December 2015

Cape Winelands
Greyton – 1 passenger

Eden
Rheenendal – 1 driver

Cape Metropole
Bellville – 1 pedestrian
Camps Bay – 1 cyclist
Milnerton – 1 pedestrian

Saturday, 12  December 2015

Cape Metropole:
Bellville – 1 pedestrian
Mowbray – 1 pedestrian
Table View – 2 passengers

Central Karoo
Beaufort West – 5 passengers
Laingsburg – 1 pedestrian

Sunday, 13 December 2015

Plettenberg Bay – 1 driver and 5 passengers

Media Enquiries: 
Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za
 

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW