Four fatalities on Western Cape roads

Report on weekend provincial traffic law enforcement operations

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

Provincial traffic officers arrested 17 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on 20 and 21 January 2017. Four were arrested in the Swellendam service area; three in Knysna; three in George; three in Caledon; two in Worcester; one in Somerset West; and one in Oudtshoorn.

Provincial traffic officers also arrested seven pedestrians in Vredendal for allegedly walking under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol and roads just don’t mix. In fact alcohol is linked to 61% of pedestrian deaths. Pedestrians should not walk near traffic after consuming alcohol because their judgement is impaired.

Breath testing was performed on 1 851 drivers at 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Swellendam service area. At 1,11 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over four times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Five other persons were arrested:

• One for possession of a stolen vehicle in Beaufort West;
• One for providing false information in Swellendam;
• One for reckless and negligent driving in George;
• One for crimen injuria in Mossel Bay; and
• One for false documentation in Mossel Bay.

A total of 291 vehicles were screened for speeding and 245 speeding offences were recorded. Fines in the amount of R330 300 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

The highest speeds recorded were 152km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Laingsburg service area; 136 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Laingsburg service area; and 145 km/h in an 80 km/h zone in the Vredendal service area.

Details of road fatalities

Help us to create booze-free roads. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. The best way to do this is to stay at home, stay at friends, or leave your car at home if you do go out. Don’t even give yourself the option of driving under the influence.

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