Provincial Traffic Inspectors conducted a total of 282 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 35 795 vehicles across the Western Cape.
A total of 9 247 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Fifteen vehicles were impounded and 144 were discontinued for being unroadworthy.
A total of 354 speeding offences were recorded, with the following highest speeding offences:
- 166km/h in a 120km/h zone
- 144km/h in a 100km/h zone
- 124km/h in an 80km/h zone
- 104km/h in a 70km/h zone
- 99km/h in a 60km/h zone
Arrests
A total of 64 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 50 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 2 x speeding.
- 1 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 1 x goods overloading.
- 6 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 1 x resisting arrest.
- 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/ her duty.
- 2 x bribery.
Fatalities
A total of 20 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 20 fatalities were recorded:
- 2 x driver.
- 3 x passengers.
- 15 x pedestrians.
Our ‘Safely Home’ road safety theme for June is “see and be seen on our roads”. This is particularly important in winter when the sun rises late and sets early. Whether you are a motorist, a pedestrian, a cyclist or a motorcyclist, please be extremely careful when it is raining.
Drivers are responsible for seeing and being seen. Make sure you can see pedestrians and other road users. Ensure your headlights, indicators and stop lights are working and that your mirrors and windows are free of cracks. Keep a safe following distance when visibility is poor, and drive carefully, especially when the road is wet. Take careful note of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Most pedestrian fatalities occur around sunset when visibility is at its worst. Pedestrians are responsible for seeing and being seen too. Only walk where it is safe to do so. Wear bright or reflective clothing. Motorists can only avoid you if they can see you. When you cross a road, pay careful attention to the traffic. Take off your earphones or headphones so that you can hear oncoming traffic. If you have been drinking, avoid walking near a road. Find a safer way to get home.
If you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle, make sure you are visible. Observe greater following distances when the road is wet. Brake carefully. Ride in single file. Slow down when there is a traffic hazard.
Media queries:
Rebecca Campbell
Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
076 783 2583 or Rebecca.Campbell@westerncape.gov.za