Five people killed on Western Cape roads this weekend

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

A total of 26 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Eight motorists were arrested in the George service area, 

• seven in Caledon, 
• four in Mossel Bay, 
• two in Knysna, 
• one in Oudtshoorn, 
• one in Vredendal, 
• one in Swellendam, 
• one in Somerset West, and
• one in Beaufort West.

In addition, traffic officers arrested ten people:

• One for being in possession of tik and dagga in the N2 Caledon service area,
• One for reckless and negligent driving in the N2 Caledon service area,
• One for false documentation in the N2 Caledon service area,
• One for false documentation in the N1 Paarl service area,
• One for false information in the N2 Mossel Bay service area,
• Two for false documentation in the N2 Mossel Bay service area,
• One for excessive speed in the R27 Vredenburg service area,
• One for defeating the ends of justice in the N1 Beaufort West service area, and
• One for a stolen vehicle in the N1 Beaufort West service area.

Breath testing was performed on 2 777 drivers at 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Vredendal service area. At 1,37 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

A total of 68 speeding offences were recorded and 405 fines in the total amount of R571 100 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver to vehicle fitness violations.

Highest speeds

• 150 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the N2 George service area, 
• 123 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the N2 Somerset West service area, and
• 117 km/h in a 60 km/h zone in the R27 Vredenburg service area.

Details of the five road fatalities

Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, and they endanger the lives of other road users. If you’re drinking, don’t drive or walk. Help us create booze-free roads. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.

Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #BoozeFreeRoads