Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations - 30 January to 5 February 2023

The Safely Home theme for February is Vulnerable Road Users. This week, 54 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence. 15 pedestrians were killed in crashes.

“Certain road users are more vulnerable than others”, said acting Provincial Minister of Mobility Dr Ivan Meyer. “Children, people with disabilities and old people are more vulnerable than younger, able-bodied pedestrians. Cyclists and motorcyclists are more vulnerable than people in vehicles. Children are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a collision. This is because they are generally shorter than adults, and are therefore more likely to get hit in their heads and chests. Slow down when you see children near a road. They may be prone to impulsive behaviour like running into the road after a ball or a pet without looking. Young children might not be good at judging the speed of an oncoming vehicle, so they may cross a road when it is not safe,” he added.

The bodies of older people are more fragile, so they are likely to be more seriously injured or killed in a crash. Older people take longer to recover than younger people, and they are more likely to die from injuries sustained in a collision. Be careful when you see an older person crossing a road. Be patient – they may walk more slowly than others, and they may not be able to respond quickly to a dangerous situation.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are more vulnerable than people in a four-wheeled vehicle. They do not have the same hard surfaces around them for protection in a crash. Their bodies are directly exposed to the force of the collision, as well as the force of secondary impacts, e.g. being knocked off their bikes to the ground.

“Look out for people using two-wheeled vehicles”, said Dr Meyer. “Keep 1.5m away from them when you pass them, and don’t stop suddenly in front of a bicycle or motorcyclist.”

Life for people with disabilities, e.g. wheelchair users, is more difficult than it is for most of us. When you drive, be patient and understanding. Remember that wheelchair users are closer to the ground than most people, they are less mobile than able-bodied people.

Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 248 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the Western Cape in the week of 30 January to 5 February 2023, and 26 329 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 7 519 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

A total of 273 speeding offences were recorded. The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:

• 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Twenty-eight vehicles were impounded and 82 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

Arrests

A total of 71 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 54 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
• 6 x reckless and negligent driving.
• 6 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
• 1 x possession of illegal substance
• 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty.
• 2 x bribery.
• 1 x resisting arrest.

Fatalities recorded between 30 January to 5 February 2023

A total of 25 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 29 fatalities were recorded:

• 6 x drivers.
• 1 x motorcyclists.
• 7 x passengers.
• 15x pedestrians.

The road belongs to everybody, not just trucks, cars, buses and minibuses. #ShareTheRoad and be especially careful around vulnerable road users.