Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations - 23 to 29 January 2023
Media Release by the Department of Transport and Public Works
The Safely Home theme for January is Alcohol and Roads Don’t Mix. This week, 94 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence. Eight pedestrians were killed in crashes.
“Remember that consuming alcohol, even in small amounts, and then walking, cycling or driving is very dangerous”, said acting Provincial Minister of Mobility Dr Ivan Meyer. “Blood alcohol concentration tests on the bodies of people killed in road crashes show that, whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or driver, your risk of dying in a road crash is higher if you have been drinking”, he added. “Alcohol impairs your ability to see and respond to what is around you on the road. In addition, you are more likely to speed and less likely to wear a seatbelt if you have been drinking.
Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 322 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the Western Cape in the week of 23 to 29 January 2023, and 36 264 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 10 579 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
A total of 318 speeding offences were recorded. “If you are a motorist, show consideration for pedestrians wherever they are. Pedestrians are almost always killed in collisions with vehicles travelling faster than 60km/hour. Slowing down will give you more time to avoid pedestrians in the road. If you are travelling more slowly and you collide with a pedestrian, the pedestrian is more likely to survive. Be particularly careful when you come across child pedestrians. They may behave unpredictably, and may struggle to understand how quickly a vehicle is moving. Because children are short, in a collision, they are likely to be hit in the head and chest, and are therefore more likely to be killed”, said Dr Meyer.
The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
- 170 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 119 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
- 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
- 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
- 59 km/h in a 40 km/h zone
Forty-one vehicles were impounded and 118 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
Arrests
A total of 129 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 94 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 3 x speeding.
- 6 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 2 x goods overloading.
- 13 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 1 x failing to comply with a lawful order from an authorised officer.
- 2 x defeating the ends of justice.
- 1 x threatening/ suggesting use of violence against a traffic officer.
- 2 x failing to furnish information.
- 1 x assault.
- 1 x intimidation.
- 1 x operating an unroadworthy vehicle.
- 2 x undocumented persons.
Fatalities recorded between 23 to 29 January 2023
A total of 20 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 22 fatalities were recorded:
- 2 x drivers.
- 3 x motorcyclists.
- 1 x other.
- 8x passengers.
- 8 x pedestrians.
"Roads and transport infrastructure is a critical enabler for economic growth which leads to the creation of jobs and ultimately to well-being and dignity. Help us keep to make our roads safer FOR YOU”, concluded Meyer.
#BoozeFreeRoads. Alcohol and roads don’t mix.
Media enquiries
Jandre Bakker
Head of Communication