Three fatalities on Western Cape roads

Report on weekend provincial traffic law enforcement operations

A preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that two drivers and a pedestrian died on the province’s roads over the weekend.

Provincial traffic officers arrested 11 motorists for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on 27 and 28 January 2017. Three were arrested in the Swellendam service area; two in Knysna; two in George; two in Mossel Bay; and two in Worcester.

Provincial traffic officers also arrested three 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.

Two speedsters were also apprehended on the N1 near Beaufort West, one clocking 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone, and the other travelling at 165 km/h in a 120 km/h zone. Our officers will continue to patrol high-risk routes and will not hesitate to stop and arrest drivers suspected of speeding. These officers are saving lives.

Breath testing was performed on 1 719 drivers at 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Swellendam service area. At 1,17 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is almost five times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.

Four other persons were arrested:

• Two for false documentation in Somerset West;
• One for reckless and negligent driving in Swellendam; and
• One for obstructing a traffic officer in the execution of duty in Worcester.

A total of 125 speeding offences were recorded. Fines in the amount of R316 150 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.

The highest speeds recorded in each traffic service area were: 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Beaufort West service area; 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Mossel Bay service area; and 108 km/h in an 80 km/h zone in the Somerset West 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.

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