Bloody week on Western Cape roads costs 33 lives and R229 million

Western Cape roads resembled a battlefield this week. Forensic Pathology Services data indicates 33 people were killed in 20 fatal incidents in the week of 14 to 20 February. Over half of these fatalities (54%) were passengers.

“Too many people are still not wearing seatbelts, especially backseat passengers,” said Nathan Arendse, Acting Director: Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement. “For example, three young people were fatally ejected in a horror crash on the N2 early on Monday morning. Evidence from the scene suggests that the deceased were not wearing seatbelts and sustained severe secondary injuries, including being hit by a passing vehicle.”

Last year, traffic crashes killed 1 319 people and cost the Western Cape economy approximately R9,15 billion.[1] The 33 lives lost this week represents an estimated blow to the provincial economy of R229 million.[2]

“Already this year we have seen 197 people killed on our roads, representing an estimated cost to the economy of R1,36 billion,[3]” Arendse added. “With all the challenges faced by our province, including our worst-ever drought, we can ill afford to allow this drain on our resources. The response to Day Zero shows the power of collective effort. We urge road users to show the same spirit of collective responsibility to help us stop the carnage on our roads.”

The details of the road deaths are as follows.

Wednesday 14 February

• 1 pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the Metro Region.

Friday 16 February

• 1 driver was killed in the Metro Region.
• 1 passenger was killed in the Central Karoo Region.
• 1 passenger was killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.

Saturday 17 February

• 1 pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.
• 1 pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the West Coast Region.
• 1 motorcyclist was killed in the Metro Region.
• 1 driver was killed in the Metro Region.
• 1 cyclist was knocked down and killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.

Sunday 18 February

• 1 driver was killed in the Metro Region.
• 3 passengers were killed in the Metro Region.
• 1 passenger were killed in the West Coast Region.
• 5 passengers were killed in the Winelands Region.
• 2 passengers were killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.

Monday 19 February

• 1 driver was killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.
• 1 pedestrian was knocked down and killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.
• 5 passengers were killed in the Metro Region.
• 2 pedestrians were killed in the Metro Region.

Tuesday 20 February

• 2 drivers were killed in the Winelands/ Overberg Region.
• 1 motorcyclist was killed in the Metro Region.

Safety starts with respect and respect starts with you. Please share the road. For more information see safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za and on Facebook and Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome.

Additional statistics for the week of 14 February to 20 February

• Provincial Traffic Services held 27 alcohol blitz roadblocks and Random Breath Testing operations.
• A total of 7 478 drivers were screened for (being under suspicion of) driving under the influence of alcohol, and 20 were arrested.
• The highest breath alcohol reading recorded was 1,10 mg/ 1 000 ml of breath in the Beaufort West service area – over 4 times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.
• A total of 2 215 fines in the amount of R3 332 300 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver violations to vehicle fitness offences.
• Provincial Traffic Services recorded 1 379 speeding offences. The highest speeds recorded were:
  • 173 km/h in a 120 km/h zone on the N1 in the Brackenfell service area.
  • 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the N2 in the Swellendam service area.
  • 115 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the N7 in the Vredendal service area.
  • 102 km/h in a 70 km/h zone on the N2 in the Knysna service area.
  • 70 km/h in a 60 km/h in the Oudtshoorn service area.
• Provincial Traffic Services made 9 other arrests:
  • 4 drivers were arrested for false documentation – in the Mossel Bay, Beaufort West, Worcester and Vredenburg service areas.
  • 1 driver was arrested for reckless and negligent driving in the Worcester service area.
  • 1 driver was arrested for defeating the ends of justice in the Mossel Bay service area.

[1] Estimate using injury cost figures from D Roux & F Labuschagne. (2016). Cost of crashes in South Africa. Prepared for the Road Traffic Management Corporation by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

2 Ibid
3 Ibid

Traffic information enquiries
Tel: 021 946 1646
Email: goodwood.tmc@wc.weighbridge.co.za