A preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that seven people died on the province’s roads over the weekend.
A total of 33 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. Eleven motorists were arrested in the George service area; six in Caledon; five in Mossel Bay; three in Vredenburg; two in Swellendam; two in Knysna; one in Brackenfell; one in Beaufort West; one in Oudtshoorn; and one in Worcester.
In addition, traffic officers arrested four people:
- Two pedestrians for allegedly walking under the influence of alcohol on the N7 in the Vredendal service area;
- One for reckless and negligent driving in Caledon; and
- One for possession of abalone on the N2 in Grabouw.
Breath testing was performed on 1 523 drivers at 25 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the Brackenfell service area. At 1,39 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 98 speeding offences were recorded and 231 fines in the total amount of R311 200 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.
The highest speeds recorded were: 156 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Beaufort West service area, and 128 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Swellendam service area.
Details of road fatalities
Date | Location of crash | Fatalities |
Sunday, 1 October 2017 | R27 Table View | 2 drivers |
Monday, 2 October 2017 | FW de Klerk Blvd, Cape Town | 1 driver 3 passengers |
Monday, 2 October 2017 | N2 Baden Powell Dr, Cape Town | 1 passenger |
During October, the Department of Transport and Public Works will be focusing on child road safety including road safety talks at schools, seatbelt compliance, learner transport operations, and scholar patrol audits and training. Comprehensive road safety education for children requires the involvement of traffic officers, parents, teachers and other adults in a community. Together, we can set a good example for children by consistently adhering to the rules of the road.
Join Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #SaveKidsLives
Press queries:
Kenny Africa
Provincial Traffic Chief
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 5114/ 7823
Cell: 084 562 4574
Email: Kenneth.Africa@westerncape.gov.za
Or
Jacques Mostert
Provincial Traffic Spokesperson
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 7897
Cell: 082 820 0621