Minister Mackenzie urges motorists to drive with caution as schools reopening rush hour looms
Media release by Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility
I appeal to those who are still traveling after the July winter break to be extra vigilant, practise good driver behaviour, comply with the rules of the road, stay within the legal speed limits and observe adequate rest periods during travel in order to avoid fatigue.
It is not business as usual on our roads as many are rushing to reach their destination in preparation of the schools reopening tomorrow.
Three passengers sadly lost their lives when a minibus taxi drove into the back of a heavy motor vehicle (HMV) on the N1 near De Doorns this morning. Reports indicate that there were no injuries in the HMV, but three people lost their lives in the minibus taxi. Three other passengers in the minibus taxi were seriously injured, three suffered mild injuries and six slight injuries. The N1 had to be closed for several hours, and traffic was diverted.
I plead with motorists to drive with care today, and every day. 29 fatalities were recorded in the province last week. Sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.
Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 333 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the Western Cape in the week of 10 to 16 July 2023, and 46 385 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 11 260 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
Sixty-six motorists were arrested for driving under the influence in the week under review. If you are stopped by a traffic law enforcement officer and the officer suspects that you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, you will have a criminal record.
A total of 388 speeding offences were recorded. The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
- 163km/h in a 120km/h zone
- 144km/h in a 100km/h zone
- 124km/h in a 90km/h zone
- 114km/h in an 80km/h zone
- 114km/h in a 70km/h zone
- 94km/h in a 60km/h zone
Ten vehicles were impounded and 176 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
Arrests
A total of 93 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 66 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 12 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 1 x speeding.
- 2 x goods overloading.
- 8 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 1 x undocumented person
- 1 x obstructing/ hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty.
- 1 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/her duty.
- 1 x possession of illegal substance.
Fatalities recorded between 10 to 16 July 2023
A total of 25 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 29 fatalities were recorded:
- 7 x driver.
- 1 x motorcyclist.
- 4 x passengers.
- 17 x pedestrians.
Media queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Cell: 082 953 0026