Two passengers killed on Western Cape roads | Western Cape Government

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Two passengers killed on Western Cape roads

21 August 2017

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

A total of 44 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol over the weekend.

  • Ten motorists were arrested in the Caledon service area, 
  • seven in Swellendam, 
  • seven in George, 
  • four in Brackenfell, 
  • four in Somerset West, 
  • three in Knysna, 
  • two in Beaufort West, 
  • two in Vredenburg, 
  • two in Mossel Bay, 
  • two in Worcester, and
  • one in Oudtshoorn.

In addition, traffic officers made four arrests:

  • One for reckless and negligent driving in Brackenfell,
  • One for reckless and negligent driving in Somerset West,
  • One for false documentation in Brackenfell, and
  • One for possession of abalone (estimated street value +-R5 million) in Somerset West.

Breath testing was performed on 1 435 drivers at 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Caledon service area. At 1,94 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is almost eight times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 156 speeding offences were recorded and 176 fines in the total amount of R267 450 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

Highest speeds recorded

  • 231 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Brackenfell service area, and
  • 120 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Laingsburg service area.

The Department of Transport and Public Works has expressed its appreciation for the seizure of illegal abalone (perlemoen) at the weekend. This is a notable success in the Western Cape Government’s fight against the poaching, smuggling and transportation of illegally obtained wildlife. Our officers and their police counterparts will continue to be vigilant at all times in order to curb the possession of illegal goods and improve road safety. These officers have shown real commitment to their work.

Details of road fatalities

Date Location of crash Fatalities
Friday, 18 August 2017 R102 Faure, Somerset West 1 passenger
Saturday, 19 August 2017 N2 George 1 passenger

 

Speeding plays a causal and aggravating role in many fatal crashes on Western Cape roads. We encourage motorists to slow down. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of a horrific crash that could results in serious injuries or death. We will continue to address speeding through awareness campaigns, enforcement activities, and the Average Speed Over Distance (ASOD) camera enforcement network.

Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #SpeedKillsFacts.

Media Enquiries: 

Kenny Africa
Provincial Traffic Chief
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 5114/ 7823
Cell: 084 562 4574
Email: Kenneth.Africa@westerncape.gov.za

Jacques Mostert
Provincial Traffic Spokesperson
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 7897
Cell: 082 820 0621
Email: Jacques.Mostert2@westerncape.gov.za