The acting provincial Minister of Mobility, Dr Ivan Meyer, states that the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works remains cautiously optimistic about the festive season road safety and traffic statistics after 75% of this past week’s arrests have been for drunk driving.
“We remain concerned about the high number of drunk drivers with more than 75% of this week’s arrests being for drunk driving. Our colleagues in Emergency Metro Services have reported concerningly high numbers of call-outs and we continue to appeal to all road-users to exercise caution,” Meyer says in a statement.
He however states that the department’s 24/7-365 approach along with the vast majority of road users supporting their efforts is reaping rewards.
Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 400 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations across the province in the week of 19 to 27 December, and 51 674 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 17 322 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. A total of 596 speeding offenses were recorded.
The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
• 175 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
Forty-eight vehicles were impounded and 220 were discontinued for not being roadworthy.
A total of 146 arrests were made for the following offenses:
• 110 – driving under the influence of alcohol.
• 8 – reckless and negligent driving.
• 5 – speeding.
• 1 – goods overloading.
• 13 – possession of fraudulent documentation.
• 3 – bribery.
• 2 – threatening/ suggesting use of violence/injuries/damage to property of peace officer’s relatives or himself/ herself/ their property.
• 2 – obstructs or hinder an authorized officer in the execution of his/her duty.
• 1 – possession of stolen property.
• 1 – possession of and illegal substance.
Fatalities recorded from 19 to 27 December.
A total of 34 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 37 fatalities were recorded:
• 8 drivers.
• 1 cyclist.
• 8 passengers.
• 20 pedestrians.
“The Safely Home theme for December is Alcohol and Roads Don’t Mix. This week, 110 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Never drink and drive. Consuming alcohol, even in small amounts, and then walking, cycling or driving is very dangerous,” Meyer said.
