Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 15 to 21 August 2022

22 August 2022
Department of Transport and Public Works
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Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 267 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 15 to 21 August 2022, and 28 871 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 21 people died on our roads this week, 13 of whom were pedestrians.

A total of 265 speeding offences were recorded and 6 619 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

Twenty- four vehicles were impounded and 99 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

Speeding is a serious concern. The faster you drive, the less time you have to respond to an emergency and the more space you need to stop to avoid a crash. Speeding is irresponsible and dangerous. The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:

  • 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
  • 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
  • 124 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
  • 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 55 arrests were made for the following offences:

  • 30 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • 2 x reckless and negligent driving.
  • 5 x goods overloading.
  • 11 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
  • 1 x in possession of illegal substance (tik).
  • 1 x in possession of illegal substance (Mandrax).
  • 1 x failing to comply with a lawful order from an authorised officer.
  • 1 x in possession of stolen vehicle.
  • 1 x failing to furnish information.
  • 1 x threatened/ suggested use of violence, injuries/ damage to property of traffic officer’s relatives or him-/herself/ or the traffic officer’s property.
  • 1 x refusing to allow a specimen of blood or specimen of breath to be taken.

Fatalities recorded between 15 and 21 August 2022

A total of 21 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 21 fatalities were recorded:

  • 5 x drivers.
  • 1 x fell off vehicle.
  • 2 x passengers.
  • 13 x pedestrians.

It won’t kill you to slow down.

Speeding dramatically increases the chances of a crash, because the faster you drive, the less time you will have to react to emergencies. The Department requests drivers to reduce their speed when roads are wet and visibility is poor, because it will take longer to stop.

Speeding also increases the severity of a crash. The impact forces of crashes on people are massive. If a vehicle travelling at only 60km/h crashes, for a person who weighs 55kg without a seatbelt, it will feel like being hit with a force of 19 500kg! If the person is wearing a seatbelt, the impact force will still be a massive 3 800kg. At 90km/h, the impact force on the same person will be 43 800kg without a seatbelt, and over 8 700kg with a seatbelt. At 120km/h, the force on this 55kg person will be 77 800kg without a seatbelt, and 15 500kg with a seatbelt.

According to a study conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the cost of crashes in 2015 was almost R143bn – equivalent to 3.4% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in that year, not including the infrastructure costs. Human casualty costs made up 69.35% of the R143bn total; incident costs, 14.9%; and vehicle repair costs, 15.8%.

Human casualty costs comprise hospital costs, emergency medical service costs, funeral costs, and lost earnings through death and disability. Incident costs include on-scene costs (e.g., police and traffic officials having to attend the scene), tow truck costs, and the cost of congestion and delays to other traffic. Vehicle damage costs include the costs of repairing, replacing, and having to rent a vehicle.

Crashes have tremendous socio-economic impacts. Crash victims may be disabled, lose income or lose jobs. Losing a breadwinner could mean living in poverty, losing a parent, or losing a home. Losing a loved one could mean psychological trauma and disruption to family life.

Never drink and drive. Never drink and walk near a road. If you have been drinking, make other arrangements to get home. 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.

Make sure that you can see other road users and that they can see you in the rain, mist and fog of winter. Keep a safe following distance when visibility is poor, especially when the road is wet. Take careful note of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful throughout your journey. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order.

If you drive a long-distance heavy motor vehicle, make it a regular habit to stop and rest. It is also important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the long road ahead by resting before trips, practising safe health protocols, eating well, hydrating yourself throughout the journey with water, and remaining vigilant about the risk of criminal activity.

It won’t kill you to slow down. Think carefully about how fast you are driving. Also make sure that you wear your seatbelt, that your passengers are wearing theirs, and that small children are strapped in an age-appropriate harness.

#ItWontKillYouToSlowDown.

Media Enquiries
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za